During this time of COVID-19 and self isolation, I have been able to put a lot of thought into practicing daily gratitude. There aren't many times in life when you have the opportunity to take a step back and really reevaluate your life and all of the things that you are grateful for. Here are the things that I am most appreciative for right now.
MY HEALTH + EXERCISING
Now more than ever, my health comes first. Everyone's health comes first. Surprisingly, this time has lit a fire under my ass to focus more on my body, mind, and exercising again. My job over the past 4 years has been extremely demanding and I had become lazy in regards to my nutrition and activity. I figured that this could be a good time to establish a routine to then stick to once this is all over. I plan to come out of this situation as the healthiest and strongest version of myself because it matters and goes a long way.
READING
While I have been binge watching multiple shows (because I can't stick to one thing), I have also reawakened my love and appreciation for reading again. I think we can all easily admit that the last thing we want to do during down time from work is read a book. I have been a book worm for most of my life, but in recent years I never put much energy into reading because all I want to do is turn on Love Island after a long day. Over the passed month or two I have really pushed myself to read, and I must say, the thrill of finishing one gives me accomplished vibes all over again that I've missed. I'm grateful that reading is still a way for me to lose myself into a different world amongst all of chaos outside.
MY QUARANTINE ROOMMATES
I have been living with my parents and younger sister now for a month and while I have definitely lost it at times, I am also thankful to have this time with them.
One of the most interesting aspects of this has been watching and overhearing my parents working. I have no idea what my dad is talking about over the phone most of the time, but he sounds like he knows what he is doing! I've learned a lot about how much my dad needs to connect with his team by phone and how many times my stepmom looks over her emails before sending them out.
I've also had a lot of quality time with my 7-year-old sister. When she was first born I was still living at home, so I had all of the time in the world, but once I moved out I instantly felt like I was missing out on so much. Now, I get to see her doing school work everyday (she somehow got the math gene), FaceTiming with her buddies, participating in her Irish dance class on Zoom, and having teddybear tea parties. Without me here she is basically an only child, so it's been fun on both ends to have some good bonding time.
MY GRANDPARENTS
I MISS THEM. I certainly do not see them as much as I should even during normal times, but this pandemic has put so much into perspective for me. My Nama and Papas are the most active people I know, so they have taken a hard hit at this time as they cannot get out to do their normal everyday activities. Thankfully, they are best friends...but I am sure they are getting stir crazy like everyone else, if not more. I try to get up to their house about once a week just to chat from my car in the driveway for a bit. They are doing well, and I can't wait to give them big hugs and kisses sometime soon.
NEW YORK CITY + MY ROOMMATE
I am so grateful for that big-ass, noisy-ass, smelly-ass city that I get to call my home. I realize how much I love my apartment and how much I miss my roommate. How we so quickly learned when not to talk to each other, when one of us needed to binge watch Disney+, jam out to music, or just wanted to go for a long walk along the west side. I will never again take for granted the constant buzz, the corner coffee shop, the gross subway, and the view of the Brooklyn bridge. I can't wait to get back home and soak up my extremely overpriced apartment.
TAKING WALKS
As someone who lives in Manhattan I had to become accustomed to walking a lot simply because at times that is the only option of getting to and from places. Soon enough, I started to love walking because it gave me time to unwind, take in the scenery (I love people watching), find new restaurants and stores, and to get a good sweat in.
Coming back out to the suburbs during this time, you realize people don't really take walks like one would living in a city because everyone has a car. Walking has turned into a daily routine during quarantine, and one that I am very grateful. It has opened my eyes to more than just having to get somewhere, now I get to take in the birds chirping, neighborhoods, people walking by to say a quick hello, and to just get some good old fresh oxygen. Plus, it's the only time I get to see my mama since we are quarantined together!
MY FRIENDS
I am so appreciative for my friends, and this time has made that even more clear to me. Even though we may all get on each other's nerves sometimes, they are family and they mean so much to me. It's been tough not being able to hit someone up just for a glass of wine or to get lunch. I can't wait to pop open a WhiteClaw and have some fun as a group again!
So as one can see...it's the non-materialistic things that I think people miss most right now. OF COURSE I miss getting my nails done, dancing at a bar, and traveling, but you quickly realize throughout this isolating time that what matters most are the humans and the simple things in your life. I am beyond blessed to have incredible people in my life who make me smile just by them smiling or saying something stupid. This time has taught me to hold onto those people even tighter and to never let a day pass without expressing gratitude.
Commentaires