Adjusting to our New Life

Adjusting to quarantine and constant fear and anxiety on the impending stance of the world has not been easy. It has hit me in waves. Waves of excitement that I will finally have a chance to complete all of my to do lists. Waves of boredom as I complete those said to do lists, or in contrast lacking the motivation to even create a to do list. Waves of fear of how this will personally impact my life and how this has already affected the rest of the world. We sit in an unsettledness. A deep feeling of unknown and while it’s easy to consume every news source, some days I feel so funky, I can barely find myself doing anything at all.

How do we adjust to this new set of rules that are unprecedented? How do we deep clean our closets when perhaps we will be facing a roaring recession in moments? How do we go walk outside when we maybe infecting others, or getting infected? My thoughts go to every possible worry, but I’ve recently starting adopting a stay in the present mentality and accepting that personally my life is not that bad right now, and I have a lot to be thankful for.

Here is a list of things that have helped me adjust to this crazy new life:

Living in the moment. To begin, this year was a limbo phase of my life anyway. I didn’t have a wedding coming up, a baby around the corner, or a big travel. I didn’t just get the job of my dreams or move to a new city. I am very lucky to be living with my parents right now, and have so much to be thankful for. Even though it might take me longer than expected to find a job, and even though my life plan might be getting a little skewed, I’m learning to live in the moment, and not focus so much on the future. What I’ve realized is even if we have these extravagant life plans, being flexible in life is a must.

Appreciating what is important. With this immense amount of time to think and overanalyze everything, I have a lot of time to see the things I value. I’m so lucky to be with my family right now and hold onto precious extra moments of time that I wouldn’t usually have. I can’t remember the last time my family had this many home cooked dinners, or the chance to watch old movies together. This opportunity is so rare, and I’m so grateful to be experiencing it.

Coming together in hardship. I think for my generation, this event is the first one I am actively a part of. During 9/11, I was young and unaware, but this situation is the first that I am actively aware of. And I’m able to see the unity created from this silent killer. I see how much my neighborhood is doing daily to make others lives easier, I see how much the nation is doing to support each other, and the world is united in this devastating experience.

Creating goals with clarity. While we are restricted on all the things we can’t do, I’ve had a lot of time to think and prioritize what I want out of my life. Once this craziness is all over, where do I want to be with my life? What do I want to do? Suddenly, I’m considering things I never would have and realizing maybe what I am doing is not important, just that I am happy in whatever I am pursuing.

Mentally, I’ve definitely been affected by this, as many are. And although learning a new language and cleaning won’t fix this situation, there are distractions that have helped me get through the day. Here is a post I wrote about things you can do to take advantage of this time. Although there are many days I can’t even bear to accomplish much, sometimes just going on a walk helps me feel okay. And some days I have a lot of success, I’ll try a new recipe, clean up a space, write a friend a letter, and watch a new show all in one day, and other days that drag on and on. This experience will be defining and unifying, and although tough now, I think the world will exit this situation with clarity on what we appreciate and want in the world.

My advice, take advantage when you’re feeling good, and know it’s okay to not feel okay also. This time is so uncertain and lonely and boring, but I’m sure in a few years we’ll crave these moments of free time.