How have you been holding up during COVID-19? Were you one of thousands that lost their job, were you furloughed, are you an essential worker who continued going into work daily, or were you one of the “lucky ones” working from home? No matter where you fall, all of our lives have been forever changed and who knows if life will ever go back to the way it once was.
I was one of the thousands who lost my job. I wasn’t surprised as my job was Marketing/Promotions/Sales in the restaurant industry and I couldn’t really do my job with restaurants being limited to ToGo only. At first I felt some relief; Tyler had been out of daycare for two and a half weeks when I was let go and it had been a huge struggle working from home while taking care of an almost 13 month old. I was also sad- I loved my job, I loved the people I worked with, and I loved the company I worked for (I had been working for this company since August 2008). Parts of me were upset and angry because had I not taken my promotion/ new position, I’m pretty certain I would still have a job and I wasn’t ready to leave a company that has been such a huge part of my life. I always thought when, if ever, it was time, I would be the one saying goodbye, not the other way around. It felt like a piece of me was taken away, but I knew I had to look at the positive in the situation. One, I’m pregnant so it was for the best that I was not out in the general public daily and that I was able to stay safe at home. Two, I have Tyler who I needed to keep safe at home and who I could dedicate my attention too. Three, I am blessed that we have a savings and that Bryan has a great job that me losing my job would not put us in a bind financially.
I’ve seen a lot of posts on social media about people being sad, angry, and depressed due to COVID-19. Its okay to have those feelings. Your baby shower, wedding, job, vacation, or whatever it was you were looking forward to was just taken away from you and it sucks. It sucks that you can’t just go meet up with your family or friends or go eat your favorite comfort food. While I could go on and on about all the negative, all that does is cause negative feelings. There is no point in harping on the negative because what is done is done and we can not go back and change the past. We can look forward to the future and life going back to “normal”.
I have also seen a lot of posts about all the positives COVID-19 has caused. I love seeing families spending more time together. Seeing neighbors and strangers helping each other. New hobbies, spending time outside, cleaning, organizing, cooking, and fitness just to name a few. It has also been time to reflect and realize what is most important to me. Since I have been staying home with Tyler I have been able to see him grow and learn everyday. Its an amazing feeling when Tyler does something or says a word that I’ve been teaching him! I have been able to create so many memories with Tyler that I would not have if it wasn’t for COVID-19.
Whether you are struggling or thriving during this time just remember that you are not alone. If you are struggling talk to someone and find a routine that helps you feel positive throughout the day. If you are thriving, share what you are doing to stay positive during all of this-it might just help someone who is struggling! This is all new to everyone and we are all doing the best we can. Please be nice, smile (even if you have a mask on), and text or call a friend or family member just to say Hi and check in on them!
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always.”
Heather's Crazy Beautiful Life 