My family and I were given the chance to connect way more than before COVID. Here we are about to eat lunch at a restaurant! (Remy Voogt, CMRU.ca)
COVID-19 lockdowns weren’t ALL bad. I remember those times very well: schools getting shut down, employers letting employees go, and the rapid spread of intense sickness. And while we are very quick to remember the negatives of the pandemic, sometimes we forget to stop and think about the positives.
You heard me right. The positives of COVID-19. I’ve recently discovered that hidden in the negative events, actions, and behaviours that life throws at us, are positive outcomes. Sure, the positives might seem insignificant compared to the negative situations, but they are there, teaching us new things about ourselves.
Finding time for myself
I grew up in a busy house. I was a dancer, training almost 25 hours a week on top of school. My two sisters were involved in high-commitment sports as well, and both my parents worked full time jobs. Whether it was approaching due dates, ballet classes, performances, or sleep, there was always some form of urgency in my life.
When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared and lockdowns were put into place, I was absolutely miserable. School was now through a screen, dance classes were essentially non-existent, and I found myself spiralling with far too much time on my hands. I was so used to being busy every waking moment that the moment free-time was introduced into my schedule, I panicked.
I am one for the dramatics. My mind was telling me: If I can’t dance or go to school or socialize, life is pointless. Untrue, by the way. I just didn’t stop to appreciate some of the things I didn’t realize I was missing.
Forced proximity: the new reality
I never really spent much quality time with my family. We were always so busy. We would see each other when we could, whether it was a Sunday adventure or in passing between school and sports, but we never actually spent much time together. I’m not sure if forced proximity was the best way to connect me with my family, but it allowed me to learn more about each one of my family members.
The space away from social settings in school, work, and dance gifted me with newfound independence. As someone who was once very people oriented, I noticed that throughout lockdown, I was gaining more of an ability to do things on my own and just be on my own. I learned to enjoy spending time with just myself and finally relax for once. I was able to take a breath, and watch life around me.
I have a new appreciation for life, experiences, and the opportunities we are–and have been–given. Nothing is ever guaranteed. Life throws crazy curveballs. The COVID curveball taught me to be appreciative for the things I DO have, and to hug my loved ones just a little bit tighter.
Benefits of a bad situation
I’m not saying that COVID-19 was more positive than negative. I don’t look back on those times and wish to return to lockdown. I absolutely despised virtual learning and the inability to see my friends. There were so many negatives COVID brought, and is currently bringing to our world. It affected each generation of people differently. And while it’s easy to hyper fixate on the horrible reality our lives were for a few years, it’s possible to switch the perspective.
COVID-19 gave me the opportunity to find the flowers growing in the rain. To find the positives tightly tucked away inside the negatives. I wasn’t able to see my friends or go to my sports, but I started to hang out by myself and take time to connect with my family. Going to the store or doing anything extracurricular was unavailable, but I could take some time to relax and breathe.
I decided from then on, I was not going to let life pass me by throughout the constant chaos. Even when my activities picked back up, school went back in person, and the pandemic was officially declared over, I held my new appreciation for life close—and I am continuing to do so to this day.
I learnt so much about myself. I grew in my identity, and my ability to be an individual. I am thankful for my family and the constant love and support they send my direction. We are shaped and moulded by our experiences, and I have been blessed with a new perspective on life after the new reality I was forced to adjust to during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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