Pondering the Pandemic

Take the lessons learned in 2020 and make the most of 2021!

Paul recently told me that the Coronavirus Pandemic brought out the worst in me.

It’s possible.

But let’s actually take a moment to see if that particular statement merits a nicer, gentler tone.

Ten months ago, our lives were totally and completely turned upside down.

Life as we knew it, came to a halt, and, in an effort to avoid the COVID-19 contagion, we sequestered in our homes.

Schools closed. Workplaces closed. Everything closed.

But many of us still had to work (from home). I still had my online Master’s program to handle. And we were left with the enormous responsibility of becoming nannies, teachers, tutors and housekeepers with the very loud company of our beloved children, day (and night). No more after-school programs, summer camps, sports practice. No more play dates or museum outings. No more dropping off the kids at grandma’s for a date night. It became just us, just at home, all the time. My 9-5 schedule became a blur. What schedule? Everything at home was basically out of order.

And the change in circumstances often got to me.

Yes I’ve screamed— “SIT DOWN AND PAY ATTENTION!” “I’M ON A CALL!” “PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF” “DON’T FIGHT WITH YOUR BROTHER” “DO YOUR HOMEWORK” “STAY OUT OF THAT CLOSET” “DON’T OPEN THAT HALLWAY DOOR”….

Yes, I’ve cried. Yes, I’ve had many wine glasses and yes, I’ve put on extra pounts. All of the challenges we faced in 2020 literally weighed heavy on me. But now that we’re in a new year, I’m ready.

I guess what I intend to convey with this blog post is— 2020 may have brought out some of my worst frustrations but I’ve also tried my best to make the best of things. We’re still alive, healthy and optimistic that things will get better.

Now let’s get to work and take the lessons learned in 2020 to make the best of 2021!

Xoxo,

-Anabel M.