For people like us who are so used to having our days full, going through a lockdown is quite an adjustment. Just weeks ago, I was ticking off my seemingly unending list of deadlines for work.

---

Today, my days are all about making sure my family is safe, healthy, and still have that sense of normalcy, no matter how challenging this may be. I have been worried and fearful because of my wandering thoughts. But at the end of the day, being in that anxious state will only make things worse. So, I chose to shift to a more positive perspective to be productive and started doing these five things to cope and thrive. 

1. Refocus Time and Energy to the Family

I always felt I needed more time for the family. With this enhanced community quarantine, the need is answered and I am thankful. I do my best to do something to create memories with my kids and my husband everyday. Whether it is baking cookies, watching movies together, decluttering the home, painting the house with my husband, talking about our dreams as husband and wife, joking around, listening to our kids’ stories, being their teacher all over again, I make sure to be more present in their lives. The things we do in our homes while on lock down are defining moments and I refuse to let precious moments like these slip away. Being intentional with the family is a priority.

2. Reassess Personal Goals and List Them Down

The drastic change in routine clarified the line between my needs and wants. The list of priorities are very different now compared to three weeks ago. It dawned on me how unprepared I was for the future. This got me asking questions like “What do I have that I’m grateful for?,  “Would what I do now matter in five or ten years?”, “Is my family prepared in case another calamity strikes after Covid19?”, and “What should I have accomplished in two, five, or ten years to usher my kids into a better future?” Writing my thoughts to each of those and many more questions refined my to-do list that will surely keep me busy with what actually matters for the years to come. 

3. Rekindle Creative Passions and Unfinished Projects

Staying home gave me time to go back to the “what-ifs” and “I-shoulds” of my creative pursuits. I am able to read and write more often now. I set time to do this everyday and being able go through this creative process has been fulfilling so far. Things that were impossible to finish are now possible. A little at a time, I am organizing our home library, sorting out files, and going back to journaling. Now is the time to do that creative project that has been put on hold or set aside. Who knows? This project may be our legacy, something that can be passed onto the next generations. 

4. Reach out to Friends and Loved Ones

Whenever I’d get myself updated with the news around the world, I would reach out to people who are important to me. I would send emails and messages asking how they are. I’d call them and keep the conversation going to keep friendships and relationships strong. As relational beings, we could not afford to be disconnected now because in such a crisis. We need our friends and loved ones all the more. Reaching out is an opportunity to be a blessing to others in simple ways. Making someone feel and know that they are not alone is essential. Showing kindness and concern has become the guiding principle amidst the noise, descrimination and criticism around the world. 

5. Refreshen Faith 

I don’t think any of us has ever anticipated such a stand still. I felt that shift. I had to give myself time to acknowledge my emotions and allow myself to feel and be. I acknowledge my weaknesses, my worries, my fears, and how incapable I am amidst this disease. If I could make it all go away I would, but I can’t. So, I choose to keep strong in faith. As a mom, I resolve to be  the encourager, the one who stands in the gap for my family and loved ones. I choose this protective stance that can only be done by grace. 

What my father said is true: Things will never be the same again. But I know that in overcoming, we become a better version of ourselves. We become that person who is more able to fulfill the call for our family, for society, and for greater things. In the meantime, let’s stay safe, be patient and believe that it will be over soon and things will get better.