The pandemic has challenged all of us and forced us to make changes in our lives to protect ourselves and others. For a 30-Second Survey, we asked: What have you learned during the pandemic? Have you discovered something that has changed your life for the better? Here is a selection of answers from community members.
“Kindness for myself.”
“The lesson I’ve learned from the pandemic is to cultivate friendships that really count. The Pandemic really showed who those friends are. You can’t ‘entertain’ lots of friends on Zoom. You have to become selective. And, selective is good.”
“Patience for mental health providers. Everyone makes a difference.”
“I have had to be more mindful of my eating and exercise habits. I must organize my time.”
“I learned to focus on what I have gained, i .e., more time to read, take walks, text and call friends, organize closets, drawers, shelves, have time to go slowly through the day, etc.”
“The pandemic has reinforced the knowledge that support systems are important. Even if you can’t get together, knowing you can reach out and share your day through a Zoom call or otherwise. It makes you feel like a part of something bigger.”
“Working from home and able to be readily available for my love one. Cook healthier foods for him and spend quality time in the middle of the day where I would normally be at work.”
“It has made me see that how not socializing impacts my recovery from major depression.”
“Realizing the need for human interaction and community.”
“Importance of family vs. employment.”
“Patience, persistence and that, even in crisis, there is hope — crisis changes everything; our thinking, the way we react so it has the potential to make big shifts.”
“Respect the time and space of those in your home.”
“I’ve learned patience, and to trust God more. Zoom has been a vital link to be able to ‘see’ each other and talk. I have learned a lot with more time to read, watch documentaries and search the internet.”
“It has helped me to stick with my daily exercise routine. I feel better, i feel proud of myself for accomplishing something, and sometimes i enjoy a socially distanced chat with a neighbor while out on my walk.”
“There is much that we cannot control and focussing on what I can do has helped me cope with the fear and uncertainty.”
Have you shared YOUR answer for our 30-Second Survey? What have you learned during the pandemic? Have you discovered something that has changed your life for the better?