If you’re still here and reading this, you’ve likely noticed the flood of free webinars, workshops, and classes that have taken over the internet during this pandemic. It can feel overwhelming with so many expert-led activities available at our fingertips.
Everywhere you look, there’s an invitation to join a workout group, learn painting techniques, create sidewalk art, master sewing, practice yoga, study a new language, or even embark on culinary adventures. Okay, maybe not running for President—yet! But you get the idea. From dawn until dusk, the opportunities for learning and productivity seem endless.
While these offerings are fantastic, let’s not overlook the effort it takes just to keep ourselves and our families healthy and safe. When lockdown began and everything familiar crumbled, I had grand plans.
- “I’ll finally tackle that cluttered playroom,” I thought.
- “Now’s the perfect time to participate in virtual races!” I said.
- “Time to dust off that sewing machine!” I declared.
- “I have a mountain of books waiting to be read. Sounds like a plan!” I cheered.
But it turns out those were my “pandemic resolutions,” distinct from the typical New Year’s resolutions but similar in spirit. Yes, these aspirations ended up scribbled on crumpled paper that soon bore the marks of takeout dinners because I “just didn’t feel like cooking.”
In reality, I didn’t accomplish any of them—and I’m okay with that. I managed to clean out one closet after a six-hour battle with procrastination. I haven’t signed up for a single online course nor felt the urge to start a running regimen.
Simply put, it takes all my energy to navigate each day. As an only child, I’ve been fortunate to have my parents help with my kids, but now it’s just me, juggling work and full-time parenting. My husband helps a lot, but the dynamic has shifted significantly.
I find myself washing the same kid plates multiple times a day, marveling at the impressive amount of crumbs that somehow end up on the floor. My daily routine has become a cycle of cooking, cleaning, playing, grading, and disinfecting—repeated endlessly.
Scrolling through social media can be both inspiring and disheartening. I see so many people running marathons in their neighborhoods, organizing virtual cookie decorating for their kids, and accomplishing goals left and right. Artistic creations flood my feeds, showcasing stunning work from individuals who never identified as artists. Meanwhile, I’m still nestled in my chair, staring at a now-empty bag of chips I “borrowed” from my children, too drained to even dust the TV stand.
But I remind myself of the bigger picture: as long as we remain healthy and safe, that’s what truly matters in this time of uncertainty. Maybe you, too, find yourself caught up in the pressure of what you “should” be doing during these surreal times. It’s important to recognize there’s no guidebook for navigating a pandemic, no checklist to follow.
If you often find yourself questioning, “Why aren’t I more productive right now?” it’s time to stop. You are, in fact, accomplishing something significant simply by surviving this chaotic period. If you and your loved ones are healthy, that is no mere coincidence; it’s a testament to your resilience in the face of a silent adversary that has reshaped life as we knew it.
So when people ask how you spent your time during this strange chapter, you can confidently say, “I focused on staying alive and well.” That is more than enough. You are enough. Don’t forget that.
For more insights on navigating these times, consider checking out this post on home insemination, which offers valuable perspectives on personal growth and self-care during challenging moments. Also, for additional resources on fertility and pregnancy, visit this excellent podcast from the Cleveland Clinic.
Summary
In the face of overwhelming societal expectations during the pandemic, it’s crucial to remember that surviving is an achievement in itself. Embrace your journey, whether or not it includes the completion of ambitious goals. Focus on well-being, as that is what truly matters.