It’s been months since I last updated the site and I just had the urge to write something — anything — to destress. I ended up with a list of thoughts and realizations during the pandemic.

Indulge me a moment, only if you’re interested. 🙂 

Thoughts [T] and Realizations [R]:

T: ‘Living in the now’ has a different meaning. 

For some reason, “now” is getting synonymous with “pandemic,” and I can’t help but think about the type of future that awaits us after this long-drawn battle. It’s getting harder and harder to think of the “past” and “future” as just concepts when we’re in the midst of uncertainty and unpredictability.

“What’s going to happen next?”

“What kind of life am I going to live 3, 5, 10 years from now?”

“Will my future family experience this?”

I don’t know the answer to that, nor do I think anybody does, except for God. If only we can have that peace in our hearts and understand that everything that should happen will happen…

There’s a part of me that accepts that, but it’s not 100%. 

T: I can’t help but feel anxious.

I’m sure everyone does. It’s normal to be overwhelmed with the worries of the day and stressed by thoughts of what happens next, but I hope you don’t let it consume you. 

I know it’s easier said than done, but let’s have faith that it will get better soon. I keep telling myself this, too.

T: We are being robbed of what were supposed to be the best years of our lives.

I’m pertaining to all the relationships, memories, and opportunities that we could have experienced if not for the pandemic. But whenever I think about that, there’s a part of me that says I’m selfish. Compared to others, I am soooo lucky.

Some people have it worse because they have a family member or friend who’s been robbed of time, in perpetuity.

I really wish I could spend my early 20s differently, but I guess there’s no point in wishing I could turn back time and change the life events. It is what it is. 

T: Do I still want to live here in the Philippines?

The virus is tough enough to deal with. But then, you have a government that seems to be more invested in ranting live on television, bullying other officials, protecting the fragility of their narcissistic and larger-than-life egos, and pocketing the people’s money, more than addressing the main concern: the pandemic. Do they even care? Do we have a way out of here? I hope so. 

ALSO READ: Why People Should Say ‘Thank You’ Everyday

R: Sana all, kind. 

A lot of us are probably feeling isolated, tired, and sad, because of the distance from family or friends we usually hang out with; the mental stress from all the happenings (personal/work); or the grief from the loss of a loved one. 

That’s why I hope everyone stays kind to each other because we’re living in such a difficult time. You don’t know what someone is going through. Spread positivity and love (digitally, for now) as much as you can. 

I don’t want to associate myself with negative or rude people anymore. It doesn’t matter if you are an acquaintance or even a relative. If you cross a line, I’ll deal with you amicably, but I’d keep my distance. 

R: We need to be healthy.

They say the only real defense against the disease right now is to get vaccinated, be healthy and socially distant, and mask up. But I think we need to add the following to the list: eating right, working out, taking adequate rest, and taking care of our mental health. 

R: Work is important, but you should always prioritize yourself. 

We all need to make a living. Some are trying to survive in the corporate world, and some are busy growing their own businesses. But please remember that it’s important to rest, and you shouldn’t push yourself too hard to exhaustion and burnout. Personally, this happens more often than I’d hope, and the thought of dropping everything and leaving is so tempting.

Don’t forget to relax and recharge. 

R: If you find an interesting activity or a hobby, embrace it.

It’s great for keeping yourself occupied, and your happiness on high. Since the pandemic, I got addicted to watching anime, and just recently, collecting nendoroids. (They’re so cute!! ^_^)

Maybe some people find it weird. But I don’t care. It’s helping me get through the tough times. 

Pluuus, I really want to get back into writing. Lol. I slacked off for months. 

R: Talk to your friends more. 

Aside from my family, my high school and college besties have been my support system since the pandemic happened. I don’t think I could be “sane” without them. 

R: I’m very much thankful to be alive. 

My heart is overflowing with gratitude to the Man Above for keeping our whole family safe and healthy. Everyday, I pray and wish everyone stays well. 

Hmmmmm.. I honestly don’t know what to write anymore. I probably still have a few thoughts/realizations, but I won’t keep you any longer. I guess I’ll end this blog with the usual message. We need it now more than ever. Stay safe. 🙂