In these unprecedented times, it’s hard not to notice the flood of free online classes, workshops, and webinars that have taken over our screens. With the world grappling with a pandemic, the internet is brimming with opportunities to learn everything from painting landscapes to yoga, cooking, and even marathon training.
It feels like every day is bombarded with new invitations: Join my free fitness group! Learn to sew! Master a new language! Become a chef! Build a treehouse! Okay, maybe those last few are a bit exaggerated, but you get the idea. From dawn until dusk, it’s possible to fill our schedules with more courses than we can handle.
While these options are undoubtedly beneficial, we must recognize the time and effort it takes just to keep ourselves and our families functioning day by day. As the lockdown began and our normal lives crumbled, I found myself making bold plans.
- “Now is the perfect time to organize the garage!” I thought.
- “I’ll finally complete that virtual race I signed up for!” I promised myself.
- “I have a sewing machine gathering dust — time to change that!” I declared.
- “I’ll tackle that towering stack of books I’ve been meaning to read!” I resolved.
But I quickly realized these aspirations were merely “pandemic goals,” akin to the infamous New Year’s resolutions, yet distinctly different. These ambitions ended up scrawled on crumpled paper, smudged with the remnants of takeout dinners because I just didn’t feel like cooking.
In truth, I didn’t follow through on any of those goals, nor do I intend to. It took me six hours to muster the motivation to clean out just one closet. Not even one online class caught my interest because, quite frankly, I don’t want to learn anything new right now. The thought of committing to a running regimen makes me want to cry.
The reality is that each day requires all my energy to manage. I’ve been fortunate to have family support; my parents have been a constant presence, helping me juggle my responsibilities as a teacher and freelancer while caring for my children. Now, with them unavailable, I’m navigating this new normal alone. Yes, my husband helps a lot, but it’s an adjustment we didn’t foresee.
I find myself washing the same set of kid plates multiple times a day, and the crumbs my children leave behind are almost an art form. Cook. Clean. Play. Teach. Repeat. And during those rare moments I scroll through social media, I feel both inspired and overwhelmed.
I see friends running marathons solo, without the usual crowd cheering them on. I watch parents getting creative with virtual cookie-decorating sessions. People are crafting meal plans, establishing workout routines, and achieving their goals. My feed is filled with stunning artwork from individuals who don’t even consider themselves artists. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here, snacking on the last of the chips I swiped from my kids, too tired to clean the dust off the TV stand.
But you know what? That’s okay. We’re alive and healthy, and so far, none of us have contracted this dreadful virus. If this resonates with you, you might be feeling overwhelmed by what you think you should be accomplishing during such a surreal period.
Remember, there’s no manual for navigating a pandemic. No set of rules or checklists to follow. If you find yourself staring in the mirror, questioning why you haven’t done more with your life during this time, stop right there. You are doing something vital: you are surviving.
If you and your loved ones are safe and healthy, that’s a significant achievement. You’ve adapted to an unexpected enemy that has demanded changes you never anticipated. That is more commendable than any completed project, artistic endeavor, or new skill.
So when someone asks, “What did you do during this time?” just say, “I stayed alive and well.” That is more than enough.
For more insights, check out this blog post on navigating life’s challenges. And if you’re looking for authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom for their excellent resources, or explore American Pregnancy for comprehensive guidance.
Summary
In times of uncertainty, it’s essential to be kind to ourselves and recognize that merely surviving is a significant achievement. While many feel pressured to meet new goals during the pandemic, it’s crucial to remember that staying healthy and alive is the ultimate priority. Embrace where you are and allow yourself the grace to navigate this challenging period at your own pace.