I have to admit, I found myself appreciating quarantine. I know “appreciating” might be a stretch, but let me clarify—while COVID-19 has been devastating, bringing loss and hardship, the period of quarantine offered me an opportunity for introspection and personal growth.
Before everything changed, I was juggling my role as a high school assistant principal, a college softball pitching coach, a bit of photography on the side, and preparing for my Ph.D. dissertation defense—all while being eight months pregnant with my third child. People often marveled at how I managed it all, and honestly, I was just as bewildered. In hindsight, quarantine forced me to confront the hidden costs of my hectic lifestyle—my physical and mental well-being. I was often irritable, exhausted, and anxious. I spent more time creating mental to-do lists than enjoying the moment, frequently distracted from my family and responsibilities.
The abrupt halt to my busy life in March was, surprisingly, a blessing. It was a rare chance to re-evaluate my happiness and what my “normal” truly entailed. As we slowly emerge from lockdown, I find it vital to reflect on my experiences. Inspired by a post from a friend about using this time to assess which aspects of “normal” are worth returning to, I’m actively considering how to reshape my life moving forward.
This reflection feels akin to a childhood memory of sifting for shark teeth on Florida beaches with my grandfather. He built a makeshift sifter on a long pole, and we’d shake out the sand to discover hidden treasures. Now, I’m sifting through my life, identifying what needs to stay (the “shark’s teeth”) and what can wash away (the “sand”).
What Are My “Shark’s Teeth”?
The slower pace of life has been a significant benefit. I’ve rediscovered the joy of simply breathing and realized that I don’t need to fill every moment. I genuinely enjoy naps now! I’ve become more present with my children, cherishing moments I wouldn’t have had otherwise. From neighborhood strolls to backyard picnics, these experiences have been invaluable. I’ve even managed to log 10,000 steps most days, reintroduced journaling into my routine, and tackled meal prep to minimize grocery trips. Oh, and I’ve “read” four audiobooks—thank you, late-night nursing sessions!
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. I’ve missed quality time with my husband, struggled with anxiety related to COVID, and found myself lost in social media spirals. Balancing work and family has blurred the lines of my day. Yet, as we gradually step out of quarantine, it’s crucial for me to hold onto the positives. This might involve waking up early to journal, declining additional work projects, and prioritizing family activities over chores.
The challenge lies in being intentional about these choices. Like an elastic band that can stretch without snapping back, I aim to maintain this newfound approach to life. I no longer want to be defined by how much I can do. Instead, I seek to embrace presence, space, and all the lessons learned during this time.
So, I’ll continue to sift through my priorities, discerning the treasures worth keeping while letting the sand wash away.
For more insights, check out this related post on home insemination.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, a high school assistant principal and mother of three shares her transformative experience during quarantine. While COVID-19 has posed significant challenges, she found value in the pause it created, allowing her to reconsider her priorities, embrace a slower pace, and cultivate meaningful family connections. Through this introspection, she aims to retain the positive changes in her life as she navigates the transition back to normalcy.