5 Significant Life Lessons Learned Amidst the Pandemic and Quarantine

The first half of 2020 is sure to present us with unprecedented difficulties and challenges. The world has seen the degree of impact Covid-19 pandemic has on the global economy and how it has wrought havoc in its wake, thereby taking a huge toll on everyone ~ from business disruptions to spoiled plans, from physical fatigue to mental stress, from political turmoil to personal dilemma of going outside while the invisible enemy is still out there. How bad can it get, you asked? The magnitude of Covid-19 threat is pretty alarming, thus it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Staying at home, as part of the implementation of the nationwide quarantine to help flatten the curve, can sometimes be boring. But if one is discerning enough, we can surely draw lessons from every experience. Even a mundane task can offer lessons on a daily basis – something that is particularly valuable in terms of the important teachings it offers in life amidst the crisis.

As a professional employee by clock-in, a graduate student by clock-out, a seasoned traveler during holidays and a blogger all week long, I’ve had my fair share of 2020 plans that were messed up by the Covid-19 outbreak, not to mention the all-too-real struggles of first-time pay cuts, unfinished classes, postponed trips, cancelled events and even delayed dreams.

To claim that it’s heartbreaking is an understatement. From a perspective of an independent person living alone in a small apartment for 15 years in Cebu, admitting that no man is an island is a hard pill to swallow. I recognize that living solo during this pandemic is not a good idea. I even anticipated the worst situation of staying in a compound, with only one quarantine pass, located in the current epicenter of coronavirus cases in the country. I had to move out away from the metro. Good thing, my second family living in a neighboring town wholeheartedly adopted me during this crisis. However unwelcoming my circumstances, such selfless act made me realize that I need not suffer alone. I couldn’t thank them enough for their love and hospitality.

While confined at my “new” home for more than three months, I’ve made a round up of five (5) Covid-19 teachings and personal reflections in this special article in high hopes of inspiring someone to bounce back from adversity.

Lesson 1: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

February 2020 could have been my college best friends’ first winter trip in Shanghai together. However, since the worldwide implementation of travel restrictions to and from China due to Covid-19 outbreak late January, our flights to Shanghai were cancelled in due course. Adjustments were to be made. All of my supposed travel companions backed out due to the fear of Covid-19. I was devastated with the news but I didn’t let it dry up my travel plans.

In the face of uncertainty, I remained positive while wearing a can-do attitude. As the last man standing, I booked a flight to Singapore and planned a tri-country adventure on the same travel date because nothing could stop me in pushing through with my first international trip for the year, even if it would mean traveling solo.

While it was a risky move, nevertheless, I’ve learned to play the cards I’ve been dealt. Given all the vulnerabilities and risks inherent in traveling to coronavirus-hit countries, I made sure to do my fair share of exercising discernment, taking precautions towards personal hygiene and continuously monitoring the situation. When all seemed manageable, said international trip happened with a bang and felt relieved that everything went smoothly while traveling amidst the pandemic. I was able to share real time through my social media accounts the actual safety measures implemented by other Southeast Asian countries in combating against Covid-19. Some travelers have taken notes, thanked me for those insights and utilized them in pushing through with their respective trips.

Lesson 2: Amidst the chaos, there is hope.

It’s been a rough start for the new decade, with seemingly non-stop bad news happening around the world. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better in the first half of the year, many blessings have come in all aspects of my life ~ travel, profession, relationship, family, school and blog.

Last January, I got a 10-year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa in Japan even without submitting an ITR and a bank balance amounting to below the “suggested” six digits. Utilizing it this year is kind of blurry due to travel restrictions in Japan but at least it is something I can look forward to when the time is right. In February, I passed Part 1 of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) 3-part global examinations (exam schedule for other parts are postponed). It seems like my dream certification will be delayed but I am hopeful and I will use this pandemic in studying for the next exams. In March, my partner and I celebrated our fourth anniversary together. No drama, just love.

In April, my brother became a lawyer after successfully passing the Philippine Bar Examinations taken last 2019. My family and relatives were thrilled upon knowing the results that they all cried in joy. In May, I got high final grades in my 2nd semester subjects in Graduate Studies despite series of adjustments with online classes and productivity challenges. Finally, for the month of June, could this be a big milestone for my blog? Perhaps winning a blog contest? Nah, it’s far more than that. Notwithstanding the result, I can claim that I’m already victorious for being part of a meaningful cause and having this opportunity to spread positive content to my readers and inspire them to never lose hope during this pandemic. Through this platform, sharing relevant and impactful stories about life in the new normal could possibly lead to the realization of one of my blog’s taglines ~ Inspire.

As they say, don’t count the days we are in quarantine. Instead, be thankful of the days that God keeps us safe from Covid-19. Let’s continue to pray and put Him in the center of everything we do for I believe we’ll rise as one from this crisis, come out stronger than ever and even without knowing it, better things are in the offing.

Lesson 3: Slow down, life is not a race.

Life is a journey, so keep pace. While confined at the four corners of my new home for the most part of 2020, I realized that this pandemic taught us to know what’s important. During the nationwide quarantine, one is only authorized to go out when purchasing essential goods or if working in a company allowed to operate during the pandemic due to the nature of work ~ as a frontliner or rendering essential or basic services like pharmacies, hospitals, banks, government offices and more. Life on lockdown taught us to stick to the essentials. It taught us not to be afraid to lose our comfort zones for a day or even three months. Life on quarantine is brought down to the basics ~ only do or take what you need to survive.

While many people are understandably fed up with being at home, I hope they will realize that life on lockdown is also about appreciating moments and rediscovering new ways to get by. It’s okay to refocus your priorities. Before Covid-19 struck, in pursuit of our everyday lives, we were so caught up with what kept us busy that we failed to experience the beauty of those accumulated moments we call life. As we stay home to be protected from the coronavirus, we should rather take things slowly, but surely.

Be grateful each day that there is food on your table, your families and friends are still healthy and be thankful even for the challenges in life that make reaching the goal more rewarding. Remember, there is more to life than this pandemic, just as there is more to life than our dreams. Find beauty in small things. Appreciate everyone around you. Connect with friends online. Uplift each other. Combat mental health. Enjoy each day. Spend quality time with those who matter the most ~ families, pets and loved ones. Happiness is, after all, the end of life.  

Lesson 4: Rough days won’t last. Tough people do.

“Excuses Don’t Burn Calories!” ~ This is one of my mantras when I joined the MetaFit Summer Fitness Boot Camp last 2014 as part of the nationwide Fit Filipino (FitFil) Movement. Aside from molding our bodies ’til hunkingdom come, I’ve learned that fitness is not about losing weight, rather it’s about getting stronger, fitter, faster and healthier. It was fun watching myself endured those metabolic exercises day and night towards achieving my fitness goals. Years have passed and adulting hit me hard. Exercise has been the least of my priorities. Fast forward summer of 2020, I kinda lost count of how many days we’re under community quarantine but I believe this is the best time to do something productive, especially getting back in shape.

I believe there are various ways to cope up with the burn out caused by the lockdown. Some are into gardening, some are into TikTok and K-Dramas, and some pursued learning new things like playing instruments, cooking and even photography. For me, it’s fitness. There’s no more excuse not to burn those unwanted calories from excessive eating during these crisis. Thankfully, FitFil is back and esteemed coaches are avid in doing what they’re good at ~ workout sessions ~ and now, they’re live on Facebook for free. I totally support their objective in improving every Filipino wellness quotient goals through a “Bulletproof Immune System Activity Booster”. In addition, I also take my pet dog, Avalanche, for a walk every morning around the backyard. For the three-month period of physical exercise and proper diet, I’m confident that my body has improved a lot.

This global health crisis, like any crisis, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make significant, lasting changes. While awaiting for everything to return to normal or rather looking forward to brace the new normal, be certain to make the days count. Until then, stay at home, defy the odds of the lockdown by doing exercise, learning new things, writing inspiring stories, and ultimately survive the burn out caused by this unprecedented pandemic.

Lesson 5: Life is too short to always worry about something we can’t control.

Last but most definitely not least lesson this pandemic has taught me is that there is more to life than than worrying about this whole health crisis. Well, no one knows when will Covid-19 be finally over and it’s normal to be worried for what the future holds. However, we cannot stay inside a bubble forever. It’s unhealthy to be afraid for longer than we already should. As what the famous Japanese proverb puts it, fear is only as deep as the mind allows.

So when we go back to our offices, schools, event venues or provinces when the nationwide quarantine is lifted, there’s no need to be afraid anymore. Let’s accept that Covid-19 is here to stay for a while, awaiting development of the vaccine. With this, we must learn to live with the virus around as life goes on. Just take precautions, follow health and safety protocols suggested by DOH, and stay vigilant. By doing so, we are individually contributing as part of the solution.

Continue where you left off. If I can continue chasing for my dreams (e.g., global certification, earn another degree, more travels, etc.), I know you can too. Remember, just because your dream is delayed doesn’t mean it’s denied. It’s never too late to live a life you love. Don’t ever feel like you’ve missed the boat, don’t have what it takes or can’t achieve your dreams because of the struggles brought about by the pandemic. This is just a passing situation in our lives. This crisis is temporary. So instead of giving up on your dreams, remove the doubts and fears that are holding you back.

Getting the restart right is a transformative process. Claw your way back from the setback and face the problems head on because it’s totally worth the fight. Keep going, ignite your passion and hustle hard for it! Remember, it takes the same energy to worry about the worst thing that can happen as it does to hope for the best. The decision is up to you.

In conclusion, this pandemic has taught me five (5) invaluable lessons in life that one can also reflect on. I hope these life teachings during these trying times could give hope to those who badly need to hear these positive words and inspire others to rise up after experiencing some drawbacks. While we should all be optimistic, let’s not forget to help and pray for the people in need, especially our frontliners (e.g., health workers, bank and grocery staff, security and utility personnel, etc.) and fast recovery of those patients positive with Covid-19.

There’s no doubt we’ll make it through this unprecedented health crisis in solidarity, and – when the time is right – you’ll be the first one to get back out there and move forward with confidence and a smile on your face.

This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. The initiative is a response to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. Igniting and championing the human spirit, “Write to Ignite Blog Project” aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. This project is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, co-presented by Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet and Teleperformance.

Tags: 5 Life Lessons During Pandemic, ComCo Southeast Asia, Eastern Communications, Inspiration During Pandemic, Life on Lockdown, Write To Ignite Blogging Project