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What's a positive you've gotten out of the pandemic?
I am in college at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. I play college basketball so that's a great outlet, but as a social person this pandemic has been extremely hard for me. #isolated
14 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
This pandemic has taught me: Life is Precious
Hailey, during this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down and changed not just the way we live and work but also how we think and behave. Every part of the world has been affected, and every aspect of life has been impacted. Our everyday routines were brought to a stop, and any sense of normalcy was lost. While we stop and look at the world around us, I cannot help but realize what I used to take for granted. With over 564 thousand lives lost to the pandemic in the United States to date (and over 2.8 million worldwide), this pandemic has made me re-think my priorities and remember how precious life is. It has been a reminder to appreciate the smaller things in life – the things I often take for granted. With so many deaths each day, I am grateful for my family and friends, even if it means video calls and text messages while we cannot see each other in-person. With so many people falling ill, I am grateful for my health. Many individuals have lost jobs and have been forced to find creative ways to pay the bills. This pandemic has been a testament to just how resilient we are as humans and our ability to be flexible and creative in the face of uncertainty. This pandemic has made me re-evaluate my life and assess my priorities and served as a reminder of how precious life is and appreciate the small things in life.
Hailey, during this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down and changed not just the way we live and work but also how we think and behave. Every part of the world has been affected, and every aspect of life has been impacted. Our everyday routines were brought to a stop, and any sense of normalcy was lost. While we stop and look at the world around us, I cannot help but realize what I used to take for granted. With over 564 thousand lives lost to the pandemic in the United States to date (and over 2.8 million worldwide), this pandemic has made me re-think my priorities and remember how precious life is. It has been a reminder to appreciate the smaller things in life – the things I often take for granted. With so many deaths each day, I am grateful for my family and friends, even if it means video calls and text messages while we cannot see each other in-person. With so many people falling ill, I am grateful for my health. Many individuals have lost jobs and have been forced to find creative ways to pay the bills. This pandemic has been a testament to just how resilient we are as humans and our ability to be flexible and creative in the face of uncertainty. This pandemic has made me re-evaluate my life and assess my priorities and served as a reminder of how precious life is and appreciate the small things in life.
Thank you for your continued support Kim. F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything And Run' or 'Face Everything And Rise.' The choice is ours.
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Kim’s Answer
Hi Hailey!
As a retired introvert, I've been touched only minimally by this pandemic. The most difficult part for me was handing my dog off to veterinarian specialists who I never got a chance to meet face-to-face, as he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer at the onset of the pandemic.
The positive takeaways have been how we as a people have reacted. Being older and a bit cynical, I sometimes wonder about where we are headed. In this pandemic, the first thing I noticed was how quickly we were able to implement changes. Normally, things go to committee for consideration, then outside consultants are hired, the legal team reviews the plan, and 2-5 years later there might be change. The schools had to suddenly flip everything they were doing, and, they did it! Businesses implemented curbside programs, companies that were steadfast against any sort of work from home program, now implemented one.
As a people, we have learned, I think, to question things more. How effective is that medicine? What study says so? Who stands to profit from this? Are the death rates truly accurate? How much is this stimulus costing, and who's going to pay for it?
And, to me, the best thing of all, is people are outdoors again! There are lots more people just out enjoying nature, walking their dogs, talking with neighbors at the mailbox, etc. It's made us slow down! Oh, and LOTS more people have been adopting unwanted animals!
I'm sorry it has hit you so hard. I look back through some of my life experiences, and recall saying, "well, if I could handle that, I can handle this!" Certain "setbacks" served as a motivation in handling subsequent "crises." I hope that you are able to find the same is true for you.
Kim
As a retired introvert, I've been touched only minimally by this pandemic. The most difficult part for me was handing my dog off to veterinarian specialists who I never got a chance to meet face-to-face, as he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer at the onset of the pandemic.
The positive takeaways have been how we as a people have reacted. Being older and a bit cynical, I sometimes wonder about where we are headed. In this pandemic, the first thing I noticed was how quickly we were able to implement changes. Normally, things go to committee for consideration, then outside consultants are hired, the legal team reviews the plan, and 2-5 years later there might be change. The schools had to suddenly flip everything they were doing, and, they did it! Businesses implemented curbside programs, companies that were steadfast against any sort of work from home program, now implemented one.
As a people, we have learned, I think, to question things more. How effective is that medicine? What study says so? Who stands to profit from this? Are the death rates truly accurate? How much is this stimulus costing, and who's going to pay for it?
And, to me, the best thing of all, is people are outdoors again! There are lots more people just out enjoying nature, walking their dogs, talking with neighbors at the mailbox, etc. It's made us slow down! Oh, and LOTS more people have been adopting unwanted animals!
I'm sorry it has hit you so hard. I look back through some of my life experiences, and recall saying, "well, if I could handle that, I can handle this!" Certain "setbacks" served as a motivation in handling subsequent "crises." I hope that you are able to find the same is true for you.
Kim
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Rosalind’s Answer
Working from home has been the highlight of the pandemic. Saves time with commuting to and from the office. Saved $$ on gas. I have cooked more than I did when I was in the office. I like being able to put a load of laundry in the wash during my break or lunch. Zoom meetings with family and friends has been a good way to connect. I also have attended a drive by graduation. A car parade!! Those were fun. Not the same, but we just made everything work.
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Lindsay’s Answer
A positive I got out of the pandemic is time management. Before the pandemic, I was overloading on coursework, working a job, and trying to maintain a social life. It was honestly too much for me to handle, but I was stubborn! It ruined my GPA and mental health. After the pandemic started, I was forced to stay at home and no one could go to work. I couldn't go out and see my friends, so I wasn't being as social as I was before. All I had left was to do school. This helped me understand that I was doing more than I could handle, and it forced me to just focus on my grades and gave me time to fully discover what I wanted to do after graduation. Now that I'm working again, I'm able to time manage and understand my limits while still being able to succeed! I just learned how to balance everything!
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Simeon’s Answer
Because of the pandemic, I've been working remotely, which means that I've been able to see a lot of my newborn. :) It's fun getting to see her grow and develop from day to day.
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Eric’s Answer
For me, there are actually quite a few:
It has deepened my faith. I don't have the answers, but I look at this as a spiritual challenge to see how well I can respond to what is going on around me.
As the father of two nurses, it has made me even prouder of them as I watch them show up for work every day in spite of the horrible things they have seen. And it is nice to see their profession get the recognition it deserves.
And on that topic, it's put the focus on the people who don't get a lot of thanks for showing up every day. Take a few seconds and say thank you to the person stocking the shelves at your local grocery store, and watch the look in their eyes.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Stay safe!
- Eric
It has deepened my faith. I don't have the answers, but I look at this as a spiritual challenge to see how well I can respond to what is going on around me.
As the father of two nurses, it has made me even prouder of them as I watch them show up for work every day in spite of the horrible things they have seen. And it is nice to see their profession get the recognition it deserves.
And on that topic, it's put the focus on the people who don't get a lot of thanks for showing up every day. Take a few seconds and say thank you to the person stocking the shelves at your local grocery store, and watch the look in their eyes.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Stay safe!
- Eric
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Gregg’s Answer
The main positive was being able to spend so much time with my young children. Having them home allowed to hear first words and see first steps, things that may have happened with others had I not been working from home.
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Karla’s Answer
Hi Hailey,
This is a great question and I enjoyed reading everyone else's answers to know I am not alone in how I feel either. We have all struggled this year but just the fact that we are on this site attempting to be there for you and each other and offer advice is positive in itself.
Some more positive learnings from 2020 are - the little things don't matter and more time to reflect and focus on myself and those important to me. Pre-pandemic, I used to beat myself about the littlest things or let very trivial things get to me. For example, I would get anxiety about what I was doing each weekend or if I looked okay leaving the house. All these seem just plain silly considering all the real struggles in the world.
This time has also given me a chance to look within and develop the best parts of me to become a better me! I've had less time to worry about others who aren't close to me and more time to focus on those who are, including myself. When the external distractions washed away, I found new strength inside!
This is a great question and I enjoyed reading everyone else's answers to know I am not alone in how I feel either. We have all struggled this year but just the fact that we are on this site attempting to be there for you and each other and offer advice is positive in itself.
Some more positive learnings from 2020 are - the little things don't matter and more time to reflect and focus on myself and those important to me. Pre-pandemic, I used to beat myself about the littlest things or let very trivial things get to me. For example, I would get anxiety about what I was doing each weekend or if I looked okay leaving the house. All these seem just plain silly considering all the real struggles in the world.
This time has also given me a chance to look within and develop the best parts of me to become a better me! I've had less time to worry about others who aren't close to me and more time to focus on those who are, including myself. When the external distractions washed away, I found new strength inside!
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Kelly’s Answer
Finding joy in the little things and the time you do get to see friends/family have gotten even more special. It has given me the time to explore other interests that I may not have had time to when going to an office each day: cooking, cycling, & reading to be exact! It has also given me a further appreciation for technology and how it has been so integral in connecting with people from a distance. At the height of the pandemic this time last year, I was able to connect and talk to so many friends that I wouldn't have if we weren't in this situation.
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Angela M.’s Answer
I absolutely have THRIVED in this year! I am saving 2 hours/day in not having to commute (I am still working virtually). With that time, I've been able to go for walks or workouts every day with my husband. I've read over 30 business and romance novel books this past 12 months. I've taken up watercolor and pen and ink painting again (haven't done this since college over 35 years ago) and have learned to cook all sorts of new recipes. While I miss seeing my kids, grandkids family and friends, I am taking advantage of this time to refresh and renew.
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Micayla’s Answer
Hi Hailey,
This has definitely been a roller coaster of a year! I think feeling isolated is something we can all relate to. However, one positive I've experienced this last year is reconnecting with my family.
When I started working full-time, I moved to Seattle. I traveled quite a bit for work, so I didn't have the opportunity to go back home as often as I would have liked to. This last year though, I moved back home and I've been working remote for the last year.
I think, going forward, professional services may look a little different. This year has shown us that we can work virtually while still getting the job done. While I miss seeing my colleagues in-person, I'm excited to see a better balance of working from home versus in the office going forward!
This has definitely been a roller coaster of a year! I think feeling isolated is something we can all relate to. However, one positive I've experienced this last year is reconnecting with my family.
When I started working full-time, I moved to Seattle. I traveled quite a bit for work, so I didn't have the opportunity to go back home as often as I would have liked to. This last year though, I moved back home and I've been working remote for the last year.
I think, going forward, professional services may look a little different. This year has shown us that we can work virtually while still getting the job done. While I miss seeing my colleagues in-person, I'm excited to see a better balance of working from home versus in the office going forward!
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
I was able to pay my credit card fully, and now the 1k that I've been putting into my credit card can be reallocated to a better spot. Currently living with a roommate but kind of hard with Covid as each roomie does not want to get the other infected.
So yeah the pandemic saves you a lot of money however just to resonate with the social aspect. I would say i miss concerts and bars. There is a pro to having roommates during this time but if you have a small pocket of friend then I personally dont think i need a roommate.
So yeah the pandemic saves you a lot of money however just to resonate with the social aspect. I would say i miss concerts and bars. There is a pro to having roommates during this time but if you have a small pocket of friend then I personally dont think i need a roommate.
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Serena’s Answer
Hi Hailey,
I am very glad that you brought up this topic and allow us to share & discuss what's the positives in difficult situations.
It is a great ritual to have as we often experience unexpected turbulences in life,
so sometimes we all need to discover the joy of dancing in the rain and share it,
so others can do the same.
I was fairly miserable at the beginning of covid given all the quarantine measures & social distancing rules in place,
I have been through stages where I was scrolling through instragram or browsing youtube aimlessly in my down time.
and even after a hectic day of work, I feel restless as I feel like I have lots of emotion and angst trapped in me.
Then I started to plan my day rigidly and prevent myself from doing things that wont make any difference to my future during my down time ie. aimless web browsing.
Bringing back old hobbies such as painting and cooking is a great way to spend time,
it brings joy and sparkles some excitement onto my daily life.
and after months, I have integrated these hobbies into my daily life since we can't still go out to socialize much.
and I am very happy to say that I have been improving my skills in those areas too.
So now may be a good time for you to do the same as well :)
Good luck!
Regards,
Serena
I am very glad that you brought up this topic and allow us to share & discuss what's the positives in difficult situations.
It is a great ritual to have as we often experience unexpected turbulences in life,
so sometimes we all need to discover the joy of dancing in the rain and share it,
so others can do the same.
I was fairly miserable at the beginning of covid given all the quarantine measures & social distancing rules in place,
I have been through stages where I was scrolling through instragram or browsing youtube aimlessly in my down time.
and even after a hectic day of work, I feel restless as I feel like I have lots of emotion and angst trapped in me.
Then I started to plan my day rigidly and prevent myself from doing things that wont make any difference to my future during my down time ie. aimless web browsing.
Bringing back old hobbies such as painting and cooking is a great way to spend time,
it brings joy and sparkles some excitement onto my daily life.
and after months, I have integrated these hobbies into my daily life since we can't still go out to socialize much.
and I am very happy to say that I have been improving my skills in those areas too.
So now may be a good time for you to do the same as well :)
Good luck!
Regards,
Serena
Updated
Patrícia’s Answer
Hello,
I think a lot of us can relate to what you're feelling throughout these times.
For me, the greatest thing that the pandemic gave me was time, time to slow down, time to be with myself, time to learn a lot about myself.
Being able to have this time to work on personal development, not only higher education, but mainly get emotional strength was the best thing the pandemic have to me.
It's a hard year, but with challenges that may arise to great opportunities.
I think a lot of us can relate to what you're feelling throughout these times.
For me, the greatest thing that the pandemic gave me was time, time to slow down, time to be with myself, time to learn a lot about myself.
Being able to have this time to work on personal development, not only higher education, but mainly get emotional strength was the best thing the pandemic have to me.
It's a hard year, but with challenges that may arise to great opportunities.
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