We are a week into my blog challenge, but we are much deeper into quarantine. I haven’t really addressed the effects of COVID-19 in a direct way on the blog. I think that was because I hoped that it would pass, but the days are starting to bur together and it seems like we’re going to have to endure this for much longer. Today, I’m struggling with that a little more than I normally do, so I thought I would address that today.
While the corona virus ravages its way around the world, it’s been said to bring out the best and worst in humanity. I’d like to focus on the best, being that this epidemic has brought out the more compassionate sides of people. COVID-19 doesn’t effect everyone the same way, but everyone is social distancing and quarantining so that we can reduce the spread to someone who might be severely effected by it. While it hasn’t been easy, I think it’s great that we care about people in that way. I hope that we can continue doing things like that.
Before jumping into it, I want to thank all the people who are working the front lines risking their lives and/or the lives of their families so that the world can function. You have all my admiration and gratitude for all the hard work you’re doing, and I hope you remember to also take care of yourself in these times.
Anyway, for day 7 of the blog, I wanted to share 5 things that help me remain positive in hard times. These things are based on the 5 love languages, which I’m a big fan of. The things I’m about to share are 5 ways that help me stay positive throughout the day, and ways that I try to spread positivity to others.
1. Words of Affirmation
As someone who didn’t get enough of it growing up, words of affirmation are definitely how I tend to recognize love. Even before this quarantine, I sought out a daily affirmation for myself. That has continued well into quarantine, and it has helped me stay sane.
The beauty of this in these times is that technology has made it easy. You can send a message at the touch of your fingertips. Something you might want to consider to change things up is to write letters or cards and make things a little more personal. It might be fun to look back on those memories one day.
2. Acts of Service
When I took the Myers-Briggs test, the results of my first category ended up being 49% introvert and 51% extrovert. The result is that being stuck in a house with my whole family can test my nerves sometimes. As much as I love them, I have to excuse myself for some alone time so that I can recharge. This is my act of service to myself, and I’m working on not feeling bad about it.
There are plenty of ways you can do some acts of service while social distancing. You can help a neighbor by picking up groceries for them. There are so many online platforms that allow you to ship a gift to someone. Its understandable if these things don’t fit your budget, but you can also mentor someone in your area of expertise. There’s room to be creative here.
3. Receiving/Giving Gifts
Shopping really isn’t a feasible way of treating myself right now. I am trying to save some money, but there are other things I can gift myself. There are indulgent sweets I might want, or maybe there’s a television show I have been wanting to watch but haven’t made the time. These are the little gifts I’m willing to give myself that don’t break the bank.
In terms of others, you can always drop something off on someone’s doorstep and call them to get it while waving at them from the driveway. You can create a care package, or have other things delivered. Something really cute is that my friend Emily Venmoed me $5 once and said, “For a coffee.” I thought that was creative and cute.
4. Quality Time
Quality time has a different meaning when it comes to quarantine and self-love. For me, it currently means doing things that don’t make me feel like I’m wasting time. That means I’m making sure I spend my time in a productive nature, or enjoying time with my sisters and my dog. I don’t feel so great when I just lounge around, so I try and do as little of that as possible.
Technology has made getting quality time both easier and harder. On one hand, we have gotten to this place where we can Netflix party with each other, have video chat at a click of a button, and simultaneously complete a workout class together. These are great ways to spend quality time together at a distance, but also try not to pack your schedule. It might reduce the quality of these interactions.
5. Touch
Touch isn’t so much my love language. I love a hug, and the intimate stuff if you’re my boyfriend. Other than that, I can survive just fine. And of course, the self-love for this love language is quite obvious in the ways you can take care of yourself.
If this is your love language, or the language of someone you know, it kind of sucks, but I have to say don’t do it. The more you try and break these rules and break the social distancing curve, the more you’re contributing to the problem, and the longer this is going to need to be drawn out. We are trying to flatten the curve. Please, please follow the rules so some semblance of normal can occur sooner rather than later.
What is your love language? How are you remaining positive in these times? Has someone made your day lately? Tell me in the comments below.
Another thing that I feel gratitude for with my whole heart is that you’re taking the time to read my blog in lieu of current events. These are hard times, and I know I’m not bringing you the cure to human suffering. But this is my little happy space, and I’m happy that you are willing to share it with me. I hope that it has helped make your life a little bit easier. If it did, let me know by liking this post and sharing it with your friends. If you want to add some positivity to my life, subscribe to my blog so I know someone relates to what I’m writing.
Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 