It’s been 11 weeks in lockdown, and I regret not doing this earlier
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Viktor E. Frankl
It’s been 11 weeks in lockdown (I think).
And I regret not doing this earlier.
For some of us, life hasn’t been easy in lockdown. We have been away from our families. We have been away from our friends. Our social lives have taken some damage. What used to be normal — visiting the shops, playing sports with friends, or taking a fun road trip at the end of the week — is now gone.
But it’s only temporary.
Unfortunately, many have lost their jobs and their livelihoods. And to top it all off, we have become fearful and anxious around taking the vaccine or catching the virus (when I go outside for a run, I intentionally move to the other side of the road if I see someone coming towards me).
This has led me to spending more time on the laptop or TV. My daily routine would consist of watching the news updates on case numbers, watching videos on the different opinions and theories around the COVID vaccine, and worst of all, reading the comments on those videos.
I knew it was getting bad when I started to let the news and social media consume me. There were times where I caught myself talking at the TV — Pissed off and frustrated with what was said in the press conferences.
I was obsessed with searching for the answers behind the chaos.
But, I have come to accept that there are no definite answers now. Although, I truly hope there will be soon.
And the times that I have wasted consuming media and social media hasn’t been helpful. What do I gain from my frustrations at the situation? What do I gain from rummaging through social media?
What else could I have done with this time and energy?
I’ve started to spend less time consuming the news, and when I do, I just remind myself that there is nothing I can do to change it.
I’ve started to spend less time consuming Covid-19 related videos online. Instead, I have spent more time engaging in hobbies that I have neglected in the past.
I have spent more time thinking about my plans for life.
Reflecting on my virtues.
Reflecting on my vices.
Reflecting on where I want to be in the next few years.
Reflecting on who I want to become.
Until next time!
