Reflections on 5+ Months of Quarantine Life

When Alameda County Shelter in Place order went into effect alongside neighboring Bay Area counties in mid-March, I remember saying “3 weeks? I bet it will be extended to even 6 or 7 weeks...This is going to be so long.” Ha. Last week we rounded out 5 months of our mostly shelter-in-place living with no end in sight. Since then, many of us have made many adjustments to our daily rhythms, some for good, many that have been really challenging.

Early in the pandemic, an article circulated compelling readers to embrace this “Sacred Pause” that this once in a lifetime event has provided. As the weeks dragged into months with no end in sight, I have kept the author’s words in the back of my mind. I’ve taken note of  what I truly miss, and what I really don’t, in hopes this will guide a more intentional rebuilding of my life, time, money, energy, and relationships when we one day return to “normal”.

Here is a smattering of some of my reflections thus far:

• Turns out “I don’t have time” wasn’t the real reason I didn’t deep clean my place.

• Getting outside for fresh air can do wonders for mood.

• Reaching to scroll social media does not make me feel better, nor less bored.

• Creating boundaries around when and how often I consume news updates is good for me.

• Focusing on what I can control and releasing what I cannot control makes a huge difference in my stress load and outlook.

• Simple things like making the bed & morning routines help provide structure.

• Honest communication can be challenging, but really worth it.

• Social connection, or lack of, has a huge impact on mental health.

• Emotions are short-term. Boredom will pass. As does anxiety or a bummer mood.

• Some days/weeks/seasons are just hard. And that’s okay.

• It’s okay to not cope perfectly all the time.

• Nothing can replicate the sacred space of face to face connection. 

• Productivity is not the only, nor best, evaluator of a day.

• Buying something new doesn’t alleviate the monotony of shelter in place.

• True, lasting change takes time and sustained effort.

• Resilience is developed through challenge.

• Changing your perspective may not change your circumstance, but it can change the way you experience it.

• Pockets of joy are waiting for discovery.

• We are wired for social connection, support, and community.

• We are way more interconnected than we typically consider.

• What I miss: Sharing a meal with friends. Hugs. People watching. Coffee date catch-ups. Smiling at strangers. Simply being together.

• What I don’t miss: Traffic. Not being in a hurry or rush anywhere. An overbooked calendar.

• Additions that have been life giving: Slow mornings. Weekly hikes in the Oakland hills. More sunshine. Prioritizing second-hand over new purchase.. Post-dinner dance parties. Growing veggies on the deck. Yoga.

What are your reflections? What has been life giving in this season? What have you missed? What do you not miss?

We are truly stronger together. Hang in there, everyone.