When I first learned that the COVID-19 epicenter was only a bridge away from my small town, I was scared.
We all were. I definitely wasn’t surprised that Northern New Jersey was near the spread, because there are so many people in New York City. What did surprise me was that I ended up staying inside for five months and only saw friends one time during that period.
I didn’t go outside at all for the first two and a half months, but slowly, I was able to start going to the park to hike or go on a family picnic.
But during the time that I stayed inside, I learned a lot.
- Savor your free time.
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Now that I am back in college, I want more free time. There is never enough. I would complain that I was bored, but I miss being able to relax and be in the present. I still try to, but it is harder now.
- Cherish your family.
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I have a 6-year old brother, and it was mostly the two of us at home when my parents were at work. As much as we could annoy each other sometimes, I miss him so much! I enjoyed the time I got to bond with my family because they are 12 hours away now. My mom’s home cooked food is at the top of my “miss” list.
- That thing you don’t want to do- do it.
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Over quarantine, I learned how to do digital illustrations, calligraphy, copywrite, start a business, read nutrition labels, and adapt an overall healthier lifestyle. I was anxious at first to try new things, but we learn to normalize the discomfort! Once we go for it, there’s so much ahead.
- A small change in mindset can have a large impact.
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It was difficult for me at times to put a barrier between the news I consumed and the positive thoughts, but over time, I got better. Moreover, it also connects gaining the motivation to change current practices. Our thoughts get the best of us; shape your mindset to what you want it to be!
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Life is too short.
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We usually hear, “This many people died in this war”, but it’s hard to know that there were so many deaths all of a sudden. We have to cling on to what we have because it is true: we only really live once! Make the most of it.