Admittedly, I’ve been through many iterations of this article. I’ve really struggled to find a voice and figure out what I really want to talk about here. And recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we as humans are going to come out of this situation. So I think what I really want to do here is just reflect. I think it would be a great exercise to simply write some of the lessons that I’m learning (or at least trying to) and then months, or years down the line read this. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to what is truly important, because sometimes it is very easy to forget when life goes back to whatever the new normal is. Without further ado, here I go.
The first thing I want to touch on is the concept of really spending your time doing something that brings you joy. I know a lot of people don’t always have that liberty and nobody has that freedom all of the time, but whenever possible spend your time doing something that brings you joy. I know I’ve gotten into traps of just going through the motions in the past just doing things for the sake of doing them. But I’m trying to enjoy the moments more. Obviously this applies to your job as well, but I want to focus on how to use my free time better. I recently started playing more video games again namely Hearthstone and League of Legends, something that I hadn’t done in a really long time. It took me back to some of my favorite times in high school and college when I would just play games either by myself or with friends for hours on end. I don’t know if I can play to that same capacity that I used too, but regardless I’m having a lot of fun doing so. On the flip side, another thing that I’ve actually enjoyed a lot is just going on walks, especially at night. There is something really calming, peaceful walking down an empty street alone with your thoughts just looking up at the stars. In these tough times, find those little things that bring you joy. They will make your days a lot better. I hope that going forward that a couple of these things actually stick to my daily routine.
The next thing I want to talk about is the concept of adaptability. I think one of the coolest things that has come out of this whole situation is the way people have adapted to being at home all the time. Just to name a few, we are seeing online classes, companies going fully remote, and all of these zoom calls to stay in touch. Everyone is adapting in their own way to their situation. There are things we all miss, and can’t wait to do once quarantine is over. I personally can’t wait to go play basketball again. I’ve adapted by trying to shoot around in my driveway and for the first time in my life, I’ve been working on my handle!! Y’all better watch out, or else you gonna get crossed! Hopefully, I can live up to those words … But back to the topic at hand, the beautiful thing about life is that whenever we can’t see someone or do something, we always somehow find a way to adapt and overcome. I wholeheartedly believe that. I recently read “Tough Times Don’t Last Tough People Do,” by Robert Schuller. It’s a book all on possibility thinking, to focus on things that are possible instead of things that we don’t have or have no control over. And I think that message rings more true than ever.
The last thing and most important thing I want to talk about is the concept of gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for. Just to name a few, I’m so incredibly grateful for having a stable job during this time. I’m so grateful that I have my health and my family is healthy. But I’m most grateful to be home with my parents during this time. There truly isn’t anyone else I would want to be quarantined with. I know for a fact, I’m always going to be appreciative of this quality time that I’ve been able to spend with them. Do your best to take some time out of your day to recognize the things that you are grateful for. It will truly help put things into perspective. I know I have a lot more than I need, I want to make it a point of emphasis to find ways to give back to those who are less fortunate. I recently made a donation to Feeding America, an organization that helps local food banks. There are going to be a lot of people without jobs after this, who are going to struggle to put food on the table. I hope this giving trend really does stick, once things are back to normal. I will try my best to make giving back more apart of my routine. I encourage anyone who is in a fortunate enough position to have stable income to do the same.
This is a tough time for all of us, but I believe we will overcome and have a new sense of perspective after this that will hopefully allow us to stop taking the little things in life for granted.
I hope everyone stays strong, healthy, and safe out there. Can’t wait to see everyone again!
—
Prabh
