Today I sit here reflecting back on the last 90 days of my so called quarantine life. I survived. I think of all the things I have accomplished in the past 90 days, I am proud and grateful. I’m glad I didn’t sit around complaining and just waiting for the lockdown to end. I’ve been proactive with my studies, my physical fitness, rebuilding my finances and maintaining connections with my friends and family. It could have been a lot worse I could have been stuck with a 90 day Fiancé that I didn’t like…I could have been doing P90x for 90 days straight or best case scenario I could have been 3 months pregnant and nobody would have even known. But I’m definitely not doing any of those options.
While many businesses will gradually reopen and many people will return to work. There is still a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically face masks. I am fortunate enough to be able to return to work. However, returning to work required additional training. I had to partake in several mandatory modules from Public Health Ontario about IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) and other clinic disinfecting procedures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. I’m really not sure how I am feeling about returning to work now. I do miss doing massage therapy treatments. I miss my patients. I miss my work environment.
I have probably said this before, but the thought of wearing a mask is not appealing to me. Not just as the therapist, but if I were a patient. I used to go for regular massage therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments for my personal self care. I just can’t be convinced that this is “the new normal” and I know I am not alone in this thinking. But since it is a mandatory protocol for returning to work, I really don’t have a choice.
I cannot seem to comprehend how a virus that is so highly contagious, but yet millions of people took the streets during the Black Lives protests. Across the world people of all races, ages, genders stood up and supported one another to fight for Black Lives Matter. I think it’s important as a human race to support one another. To love one another and to treat each other like we are fellow brothers and sisters. But I have to ask myself how serious is this COVID-19 in the first place?
2020 has definitely not been anything but dull to say the least. Many referred to this year as 20/20 vision. I understand that now. Most people have been awaken to the world and their existence on this planet. There has been so much the world has gone through in 2020 from natural disasters such as bushfires, volcano eruptions, earthquakes, floods, avalanches, tornadoes, economy plummeting, plane crashes, shootings, stabbings, riots, Kobe Bryant’s death, worldwide lockdown, Summer Olympics postponed until 2021, Black Lives Matter protests, corona virus aka COVID-19 pandemic and everything else the media didn’t tell us about.
During my lockdown I have learned to be more patient, especially during a time of uncertainty. I am grateful for everything and everyone in my life. I believe that nothing lasts forever. So things may be bad right now but they can only get better. Laughter is my medicine. Meditation is essential. Staying positive is mandatory. I am lucky to be able to return work, even under the circumstances. But I understand not everyone is as fortunate and some still have financial burdens. I am doing my part to heal the world with my voice, with my hands and how I treat other people. This is my last “Thoughts from the Couch” as my so called quarantine life comes to an end. My final thoughts to each and everyone of you is to Be kind. Respect others. Love yourself. This too shall pass.
Memoirs of an Emotional Fish 