Lessons learned during the year of the pandemic:
1. I spend less money at the grocery store when I do pickup than when I go in the store to make purchases. No impulse buying.
2. Facetime is a decent replacement for in-person time, but it's not the same.
3. Hugs are wonderful and I miss(ed) them more than I ever thought I would.
4. It's okay for two people to be in the same house and not speak for long periods of time.
5. Friends and family are important for numerous reasons, but mostly because you love them (and hopefully they love you back.).
6. Masks are helpful for keeping away infections. I was much healthier during the year of the pandemic than at any other time in my life. I only needed an antibiotic twice in a year. I think that's a record.
7. People are generally nice, but there are also many mean and angry people out there. Sometimes they show up in unexpected places.
8. It's ok to do nothing.
9. Being kind to yourself and the ones you are closest to is more important than money.
10. Time is the most precious commodity we have. Some days, simply getting out of bed is a wise use of time. Don't let anyone think you've "wasted time" if you're doing something you enjoy, like a crossword puzzle or a video game or whatever. It's your life. Live it.
11. Learning new things takes effort.
12. My stress is less when I am not around people, but there is a fine balance between being alone and being lonely. It's a very thin line.
13. I don't need new things to keep me happy, except for reading materials. I got by without new clothes, new toys, new cars, new furniture, etc., but books were a must.
Did the pandemic year teach you anything? Care to share?
Yes, some of the same like it's ok to do nothing. I have been noticing the fine line between solitude turning to isolation for a long time. The negative people out there have once again surprised me and I think living through Trump years was worse than the pandemic, and like the pandemic it's not over yet, just better.
ReplyDeleteI am normally a person that likes to be out and about and around people. But during the pandemic I did not meet often with my friends. I did not miss church service because I watched it online. I am finding it hard to go to church. Though I am vaccinated, I still am comfortable wearing a mask. Though it is posted at our church, some don't wear mask and many lower it below the nose. Today the news said we don't have to but I am okay with it in public places. I guess it will take time to see changes and normality.
ReplyDelete