slowing down

Well this is an interesting time, isn’t it? I never have felt less in control of the outcomes of life as I do now, and honestly I’m really enjoying it. Yes, this pandemic is tragic and scary and uncertain, but it has also caused a lot of good. The earth is getting to breathe again; the environment is improving because everyone is lessening their carbon footprint. Homes have come together more than before. Lives have slowed down, focusing on personal growth. The world feels more united than ever before in my lifetime. With how fast this virus spread from one corner of the earth to our own backyard, you cannot help but feel connected globally. 

Because of Covid-19, I have taken the time to breathe and slow down my pace of life. I am always going it seems, spreading myself too thin, but now have been forced to pause for a second. I am away from my family while staying in Orange, trying not to let go of my last year of college just yet. So it has felt isolated, but also less claustrophobic. I have taken time to make a daily routine in my planner each morning. I have exercised each day, whether that be playing basketball, going for a run, or doing yoga. I have reached out to loved ones that I haven’t spoken to in a while. I have cleaned and organized. I have had time in the day to study, and still have time to unwind. I have had time to explore the hobbies I usually do not get to. My days seem to fly by even while being in quarantine, I have not found myself bored even once, as there is always self-growth to be had. 

Every morning I write down the three most important things I need to accomplish, and what I am looking forward to the most that day. This helps to focus my intentions, as no day should go to waste. This has been helpful for me as I wake up, knowing I cannot really leave my home, still being able to accomplish what I want to and hold myself accountable. 

I have found so much beauty in this time honestly. I have felt a closeness to my friends, my community, and myself. I am appreciative for this pause on the craziness of everyday life, and a chance to reflect. I do worry for my grandparents, and my loved ones that I am away from, hoping they are well and safe always. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. I think it’s so important to be able to let go and understand that we are but a mere soul in this universe, looking to spread light to those around us. We cannot hold too firmly to plans or expectations, as life’s waves come and go.