Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you know what’s been going on. We are all not feeling great about 2020. It’s the weirdest year, and we have all experienced disruptions to our lives and our way of living in one way or another. We had to learn to adapt and come to terms with this unsettling feeling. Being physically apart has become a new way of showing love and care. Strange as the world may be, life does go on. We still have each other, and I learnt to find joy in the little everyday things.
In the early part of the year, I was incredibly tuned into the news. I absorbed as much information as I could about the rapid changes; the fear was building up with the noise and the chaos. Now, I’ve learnt to switch off. I am still aware of the situation and changes, but it no longer consumes my every waking hour. Slowly, I built a routine where change is not feared but welcomed. I still miss the freedom of choices, of travel, and physical contact with others. However, this episode forced me to step back and be grateful for all that I had and all that I’m enjoying now. I’m healthy, my love ones are safe, and I can still go for a walk now and then. My situation is not ideal, but it is not bad by far.
These days, I cook pretty much all the time. I support my local community by buying local goods, partaking in local virtual support groups and buying from my local cafes. Strangers have bonded together in this time of need, and the community is even more close-knitted and resilient.
Now that Australia has loosened their regulations, I even get to sneak in a hike on the weekends. My first hike right out of isolation is a 10km route at the Werribee Gorge State Park (Victoria, Australia).
With two super fit friends leading the pace, we completed it in 2.5 hours. It felt so good to be outdoors with nature and with a few friends. I realised how unfit I was when I woke up with a deep ache in my butt the next day. But, boy, did it feel good and I can’t wait for another hike or outdoor activity next weekend.
2020 is a forced break from the fast and furious world we used to live in (a world where ‘busy’ surmised my entire schedule) is a pleasant surprise. I want to take away this slow living mindset even as the world slowly opens up, as Australia (where I’m currently at) eases back economically. Wherever you might be, reading this, I wish for you the same peace as we navigate this new reality we now live in.
