simpleek

We’re living in some pretty crazy and scary times right now. None of us could have predicted how drastically the start of a new decade would unravel right before our very eyes. The world has come to a screeching halt and livelihoods have been upended by something we have no control over. The only thing we can do is hunker down and take care of those who are most vulnerable from this pandemic, while helping our healthcare providers and staff from getting overwhelmed at our local hospitals. Despite the severity and gravity of the situation everyone around the world is trying to make sense of and navigate the best way they can, one thing spending time in self-isolation has done, at least for me, is put everything in perspective.

We take a lot of things for granted without even realizing it. Things like walking down the street to order food from your favorite restaurant or simply moving in to hug a friend every time you meet up are small, seemingly insignificant moments we all go through as we go about our daily lives and routines. Until a highly contagious virus, which can be lethal to some who catch it, swoops in and takes away the very things we don’t even give a second thought about under normal circumstances.

Who could have foreseen how it would cripple societies and our way of life with a snap of a finger? Not only has it temporarily changed the way we live and interact with each other, it also has made us fearful for the lives and health of those who are most at risk from catching COVID-19—our parents, grandparents, and those with a serious pre-existing condition who cannot afford to get severely ill or worse.

While the facts presented in front of us is very sobering it does help me see the silver lining from this pandemic. I consider myself fortunate to work for a company that gives me a regular salary with benefits and an option to work from home at this time, me and my family are safe and healthy and taking every precaution the CDC and reputable news outlets have been drilling into our heads for weeks about how to best protect ourselves and others, and being stuck inside for as long as this pandemic lasts has presented opportunities to be more creative and to rediscover certain hobbies that may have taken a backseat.

More time indoors means I can spend more time on my writing. I’ve obviously been making time for it this year, as some of my followers may know from the writing updates I post from time to time on this blog. With my social life put on hold for the time being that means I really have no excuse not to write and truly dive into my creativity. Self-isolation also means more time for Netflix and video games, which I’m doing too, but I think I’m more excited about what I can accomplish when there isn’t anywhere to go. And by the time it’s deemed safe to go outside again and be in the same physical space as other people, I hope what I step out with is a story that’s worthy to be read.

We need stories that comfort us in times of distress, a balm to soothe our weary and anxious minds with something beautiful and uplifting. My greatest wish is for my book to be one of the many stories out there that does that for people.

The unknown has never been more frightening than it is now, but as a stubborn optimist, I do believe we can all get through this. As my mom likes to remind me, nothing lasts forever, not even this. We’ll be okay, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.