I’m anxious as I write this blog, even while drinking June Shine. I thought it would calm my nerves, but it’s only making my heartbeat louder.
Despite what’s currently going on in the world (COVID-19), I still believe that it’s all for good reason, even if we don’t know it yet.
It’s forcing us to focus on what’s more important and shake the world out of itself. For the past couple of decades, our society has created a lifestyle that was laughable to our ancestors. Think about it, we were taking pictures of our food and filming whole concerts. Athletic wear became normal wear and we counted calories and lived in online communities. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but we have really taken toilet paper for granted. I think about what my Lola (grandma in Tagalog) and what she did when she pooped in the past. The world was different back then, down to the foods we ate and the activities that took up our day. I really believe that we’re just going back to the way things used to be, just in a different society.
Here are some of my thoughts and personal examples below:
Education - as an educator at heart, this was difficult for me to accept. As much as I’d like to think that educators are important, it’s not necessary to be educated, especially in today’s technological world. Self-education will soon be the way for those who want to be educated and for those who can’t afford that luxury, they’ll do their part in their communities and families, just as it is in majority of the world.
Cooking and coffee - As someone who’s spent most of their adulthood making coffee and serving food to others, I’ve realized that it’s not a necessity. The only reason why we run on Dunkin’ is because of capitalism and laziness. Coffee isn’t the enemy, our 9-5 is. We have been programmed from elementary school that this is how the world works. I’m sure it stems from our days as farmers or hunters and gatherers, but the difference is that they made their own meals and maybe it’s time we get back to that. There’s creativity hidden in the kitchen, it’s not just for those who hold Canons and paint brushes.
Exercise - I’ve come to realize that as much as I’d like to, I don’t love working out as much as the Instagram models do. First off, the idea of paying $10-$75 for a gym membership is ridiculous, whether if there’s a cancellation fee or not. Last time I checked, warriors from the Spartan army “300” didn’t need a gym membership, but the boulders that the land offered. But it’s the year 2020 and there isn’t any immediate danger/enemy to fight off, as most of our “clans” have what they need. And since I haven’t expended most of my energy serving about 100 customers in thirty minutes, then I have the emotional and physical energy go for a walk, a jog if I’m really feeling it.
Relationships - I haven’t always been the best in this category (I blame my only-childness), but I’m getting better. I find myself wanting to reach out to old friends, since they may have the time also. As for my apartment complex, it may not be like the Italians, but I hear more conversations, music, and sounds than I’ve ever heard during my time living here. Maybe it’s time for some Americans to be more like the Italians (and other relational countries) and put more time and effort into each other.
Hobbies - Beyond Instagram, my younger co-workers are freaking out. They’ve watched all the movies and shows on Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu and don’t know what to with themselves. Well, it’s called “hobbies and interests” and if there is any category I excel in, it’s this one. As practically-an-only child, I have too many unfinished projects to count, but it’s about damn time I finish them.
Overall, I hope this shifts our perspective of not only educators, custodians, grocery store employees, sanitation services, and so many more, but to truly focus on ourselves and our well-being without all the extra stuff.
Be well friends,
-K.S.