I’m going to be honest – I actually enjoyed quarantine. Okay, maybe enjoyed is too strong of a word, but let me clarify: COVID-19 itself has been devastating. It has brought heartache, loss, and forced many small businesses to close. Schools shut down, weddings were canceled, and families have faced separation during significant life events. However, the quarantine that accompanied COVID? For me, it created an opportunity for reflection and personal growth.
To give you some context, just before the quarantine started, I was juggling my role as a high school assistant principal, coaching college softball, dabbling in photography, and getting ready for my Ph.D. dissertation defense—all while being eight months pregnant with my third child. “How do you manage everything?” people often asked. Honestly, I was just as puzzled. Looking back, I now recognize that I was managing everything at a significant cost—hidden costs to my mental and physical well-being. I felt irritable, fatigued, anxious, and often distant from my family. I was always busy, creating endless to-do lists and working late into the night, which meant I was rarely fully present.
When life suddenly slowed down one March afternoon, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. That societal pause forced me to reflect on my life and happiness. As we gradually emerge from quarantine, I realize the importance of taking time to reflect, journal, and engage with my loved ones about how I want to shape my future. I came across an insightful post from a motivational speaker that encouraged using this time to evaluate which aspects of “normal” are truly worth returning to.
This reflection process has been akin to sifting through sand to find hidden treasures. I recall childhood memories of beachcombing with my grandfather, using a sifter to search for shark’s teeth among the sand. This metaphor captures my current journey as I discern what aspects of life I want to retain and what I can let go.
So, what are my “shark’s teeth”?
One major positive I’ve discovered is a slower, more manageable pace of life, which has allowed me to breathe again. I used to pride myself on my ability to multitask and believed that constant busyness equated to happiness. I’ve learned that I was mistaken! I now appreciate the value of taking naps and embracing open spaces without feeling the need to fill them.
I’ve also been more present with my children, enjoying moments I wouldn’t have otherwise. Yes, there were days when I was on a video call while nursing one baby and preparing a meal for another, but I’ve also cherished simple joys, like taking leisurely walks with my kids or baking together at home.
However, not everything has gone smoothly. I’ve struggled with finding quality time with my partner amidst the chaos of a new baby and limited outings. The anxiety surrounding COVID-19 has been challenging, too—deciding who to see, whether to send the kids to daycare, and navigating social media can feel overwhelming.
As we transition back to a more typical routine, it’s essential for me to maintain the positives that quarantine has revealed. This might mean dedicating time each morning for journaling or learning to say no to new responsibilities. I aim to prioritize meaningful interactions with my family over mundane tasks.
Ultimately, it’s about being intentional. Humans are like elastic bands; we can stretch but often snap back to our old ways. I want to loosen that grip and continuously stretch toward a more balanced existence. I’ve realized that I’m done with the notion of “doing it all.” I aspire for presence, space, and learning to be comfortable with both.
Moving forward, I’ll keep searching for those shark’s teeth while letting the tides wash away what no longer serves me.
If you’re interested in more insights on navigating parenthood and fertility topics, check out this blog post and for additional resources, you can visit Healthline for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination, or learn about fertility boosters at Make a Mom.
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In summary, while the pandemic has been challenging, the quarantine period has offered me a chance to reflect, prioritize, and redefine my life. I’ve discovered the value of a slower pace, quality family time, and the importance of intentionality in my choices moving forward.
Keyphrase: Joy in Quarantine
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