Dear COVID-19,
We were all living normal lives and in a matter of weeks, you managed to turn everything upside down. Suddenly, millions of people were out of jobs, loved ones passed away with no one allowed to be by their sides, students were robbed of their most anticipated memories and everyone had to adjust to the new normal you created. While you’ve caused utter disruption on a global spectrum, I wanted to take the time to thank you.
Before this pandemic, I was constantly on the go. I had no time for my mental, emotional or spiritual health. Ultimately, I was on the verge of burnout and going into spring break, I wanted to change that. During spring break I worked on my course work everyday to make sure I would be ahead in all of my classes once we returned. Little did I know that when I returned to Blacksburg I would be packing up my dorm with an unclear date of return.
In a matter of weeks my entire life, as well as many others, completely changed. I went from having every day of my life planned out to possessing so much free time. Finally, I decided it was time to revamp my schedule and make time for the things I’ve been putting off for the last few months. While being confined to my home, instead of sulking in it, I wanted to make the best of it.
During this time of social distancing, I find myself cherishing every day I have the opportunity to wake up because I know someone else did not get that same chance. I value the time I get to spend doing the things I love and I’ve learned to appreciate the times I was able to freely go to the gym and grab some food without wearing a mask.
Most importantly, your presence has given me time to work on a project I’ve been putting off for six months. A project that has been vital to my healing process, which is my blog Gracefully Broken. Without you stopping time, who knows how much longer I would’ve put off starting my blog, which is a vital part of my healing process.
So although you’ve caused the world so much pain and trauma, you’ve also given us a chance to reevaluate our lives. Even though there is so much sadness in the air, I challenge everyone reading this to find their silver-lining. COVID-19 allowed me to pour my heart into something I’ve put off for months. Now I want you to think about what good COVID-19 has created in your life. Ladies, we are strong and we will make it through this!
Thank you COVID-19,
Elizabeth
