We will probably all agree that 2020 is not how we planned to start the new decade. With the global pandemic going on along with poverty, economic crises, educational issues, environmental predicaments, etc., staying at home with nothing to do would have sounded great a year ago. But now we are all rethinking about being locked inside with activities we’ve already done and don’t want to do again, thinking about how life would continue after lockdown.

In other words, we are living a pretty tedious life. However, this pandemic has also caused many to appreciate the little things in life.

Learn about yourself

Ever since we have all been social distancing, we have been more involved with family and friends we are stuck with. More importantly, we have been more involved with ourselves. This has given us time to give to ourselves and think about what kind of people we are. This can help improve our values and character, and help us identify things in us that we need to improve.

Before the pandemic, an old man who lived alone would get up at the brink of dawn to go to work. He would return in time for dinner and go to bed. He would continue the same cycle each day.

Once the pandemic arrived, like many of us, he was forced to stay inside. He was used to waking up early and when he did, he would sit outside and listen to the calming sounds of birds and squirrels which occupied his trees and bushes.

He would take evening walks, feed the cats and birds, nap under the warmth of the sun and noticed that he really enjoyed tending to his plants and taking care of the animals in his neighbourhood. He finally realised what kind of person he was, that he could care for others, and relished the beautiful gifts of life and Mother Nature.

Spend time with family

Not only should we spend time with ourselves, but we should also spend time with family that we now have more time to give to and bond with. Maybe having an old fashioned game night would help bring the family closer together. Cooking, baking spring cleaning, scrapbooking, redecorating the house, etc. are just some of the many activities you could do with your loved ones and make lasting memories.

Apologise and forgive

This grim time can also help you think about the mistakes you have made. You can apologise to those whom you might have hurt. There is no use to keep your anger and hatred crammed inside of you.

Learn to let go and focus on the positive, because this might be your only chance to right your wrongs. Try talking to people about matters which you have been avoiding. There may be anger, tears or disappointment, but it will all be worth it in the end.

Turn your frown upside down

Keep smiling even if the situation is unpleasant. Sometimes, your smile can light someone else’s day. An easier way to smile is by thinking about all the great people in your life and all the good in the world. Staying indoors most of the time can be very depressing, especially if people’s plans for all the things that they wanted to do had to be cancelled due to this pandemic. So everyone is in need of some cheer and you can try to bring some smile on others faces. This can be done by doing things that lift up the mood and talking about all the positive things in life.

Be grateful

Be grateful for what you have and adore the good things in life. Try to get a positive outcome from a negative situation. Do not compare yourself to others. Try to pull through this pandemic and help others do the same.

If we look at the problems others are going through, then our own will seem so little. So be grateful if you have health because there are so many people who have suffered due to Covid-19 and are continuing to do so. All we are being asked to do is take precautions and maintain social distancing, which is for our own good.

Exercise and stay healthy

Lastly, exercise daily and take a good diet. Get fresh air every day and try walking or jogging in your neighbourhood. If not, do yoga or simple exercises to keep your body healthy.

Eating healthy also contributes to your attitude. Be as active as you can. Do not forget to go out without a mask, gloves, sanitiser and other precautionary measures. This is not only to keep us safe, but also to protect others from this deadly virus.

If you think about it, maybe being at home has been a gift from God, not to only keep us safe, but to also cherish the many little gems with which we have been blessed with.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 22nd, 2020