It’s been a crazy year – a year when most if not all of our plans didn’t materialize because well, 2020 had other plans. It was a time when we isolated ourselves physically from the outside world relying mostly through virtual means as the safest way to connect with others without the risk of being exposed to the virus.
2020 has for many been a gap year but it was a year full of lessons. Now is a good time to look back on the things which the year of staying at home brought.
1. It taught me to slow down.
How many times I have found myself wishing that I could go on really long vacation leaves as a few days isn’t really enough to do the things I want to do.
It took a global pandemic to see how it was like to work from home not just for a few days but weeks which extended to months and who knows, to a year?
I’ve been so used to starting my day quite early as making it on time in the office meant I have to wake up at 4am. Since I can do away with the long hours spent commuting which is about 4 hours on average, I was able to use that time for other things. I still have a list but it has become more manageable when commuting is no longer in the equation.
My work-from-home setup allowed me to sip my coffee in peace in the morning while it’s still hot and enjoy my breakfast without the hurry because I don’t need to be anywhere else but home. Here’s what I realized, I can still get things done even if I slowed down.
2. It allowed me to be resourceful.
The quarantine didn’t stop people from skipping the celebrations. It’s a year when events and milestones are celebrated differently albeit creatively at home. It brought out amazing party ideas like Zoom costume party, karaoke night, watch party, etc.
Travel plans have been shelved but that didn’t stop people from exploring places through virtual tour of museums, parks and cultural sites which fortunately have been made accessible for everyone.
When resources for school projects ran out at home, I’ve also learned to improvise by using what materials we already have at at hand before buying.
3. I had time for hobbies. Like many people, this year made me spend more time than usual in the kitchen what with my workstation just a few steps away. I was able to try my hand at baking and grow some herbs in our backyard garden.
Your newfound hobbies might be doing you more good than you know. We all know that this crisis has increased our anxiety levels and turning to these hobbies is a healthy diversion. Remember that perfection isn’t the goal here but the idea is to be able to enjoy whatever it is you’re doing.
- I’ve become more patient.
From dealing with my child at home to the long lines I have to endure whenever I needed to go out of the house for errands and or appointments, never has my patience been put to a test.
Having been left to my own devices when it comes to homeschooling my child, helped me parent with more patience because I get to practice it 24/7. I’ve also learned how to take breaks when necessary.
Having been forced out of typical, daily routine made me accept that there are things that are beyond my control and I have made peace with that.
The Year That Was
This year taught me to be more appreciative – to not focus on the losses this year but instead on the gains; to appreciate what is, rather than what isn’t. The time I have been spending at home with my family made me realize that even if the situation is far from ideal, there is still so much to be grateful for.
What lessons has 2020 taught you?
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