Lessons Learned About Myself during the Pandemic

Being home for 7 months during this pandemic has been tough. But it has also taught me a lot about myself.

It has taught me that working from home, while trying to remote learn with my 6 year old (kindergarten at the time) and taking care of my 2.5 year old (at the time) was truly exhausting. I did not like the person that I was during this time. I was grumpy, upset, irritable, loud, mad, no patience at all, aggravated, frustrated, tired. I was eating poorly and not feeling so great.

It taught me that I need quite a bit of alone time to feel any sort of being refreshed. Being around the children and husband all the time has been great, but it’s also draining.

It taught me that meditation is crucial to helping me remain grounded and calm for the day. I’m glad that I kept my morning routine up and have been meditating.

It taught me that even just 10 minutes of exercise, or movement, is enough to make me feel like I’ve accomplished some exercise for my body. I don’t need a full hour long fitness class to make me feel good. A short time of moving my body makes all the difference in how I feel.

It taught me to be more present with my children and husband. Putting down the phone more and enjoying everyone’s company.

It has taught me to be more playful with my children. I spend some extra time having FUN with them – reading more to them, playing games (like ZINGO about a million times), talking more, trying to get them to dance more and just all around fun.

It has taught me to appreciate this time with them, as they are only young once.

It has taught me to slow down. I was always a person that felt like I had to be doing lots of things, multi-tasking and running around. Trying to make sure I always had something to do. I now appreciate slowing down. I’m not in a rush to do anything. It’s OK to stop and just be. I can sit and not worry about all the things that I feel need to be done.

It has taught me to appreciate what I have – family and friends. And even appreciate all that we have – like a roof over our head and food to eat.

It has taught me that I love to read books. Whether it be fiction, self development, mystery, or educational. I have spent a lot of time, particularly during the summer, reading. And I won’t stop!

It has reminded me I love to sing, as I put music music on throughout the day. And that I join in with the songs, specifically showtunes/musicals and Disney movies. 🙂

It has reminded me to have more dance parties in the house – even if the kids won’t join in.

It has reminded me to just laugh. Laugh when you can. Because laughter is needed.

It has also reminded me that I don’t have to have my house clean all the time. It can be a mess. Even though sometimes the mess gets to me and I need to clean things up (specifically the kitchen). But to let things be a mess and just enjoy some time, or just do nothing and let the house be a mess. Sometimes, you just need to do nothing.

It has reminded me that I really like to wear jeans and a t-shirt most days. That is my go-to outfit daily. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love me some good yoga pants, but I wear jeans most days.

It has reminded me that I need sleep! And to sleep when I’m tired! So, sometimes I take naps, or go to bed early, or sleep in a bit. Sleep is extremely important.

What has being home taught you about yourself?