So, we all know what’s going on in the world right now.
It’s been surreal to say the least.
Depending on where in the world you are, your life might have been affected differently.
And today, I wanted to share part of how my everyday life has been affected.
For some context, I currently live in Stockholm where there’s no lockdown for now. I have
however chosen to spend majority of my time at home and only leave the house for things
like groceries and walks in places and during hours where there’s little to no people.
What I’ve learned for myself is that, in times like this, having routine is important.
Because if I just go about my day with no structure, I’ll get sucked right into the
overflood of media and come out having gained nothing that is of any help to me or anyone
else. That’s to say, I watch the news as little as I can and try to only keep up with
what I need to know in order to keep myself and those around me safe.
When I say structure, I don’t mean my days are fully mapped out, but they’re more mapped
out than usual.
I start my days around 6, and I do that for two reasons.
Firstly, months of work-related plans have been cancelled, so I’ve had to start over
in a way. The geographical limitations also put my creativity to the test, since I can’t
just hop on a train and go film different places and people like I normally do. I’m
figuring out ways to keep telling the stories that I want to tell, working with what I have,
which is the inside of my apartment and… nature. So, yeah, those extra couple hours
in the morning are very valuable to me. The second reason for rising early is that,
after what felt like an eternity of darkness and greyness during the winter months, I don’t
want to miss a single moment of sunlight. The lack thereof is what made those months
very tough for me, and I remember holding on to the thought of April—referring to
it as the month of hope.
What’s felt like a forever wait is almost over, and although the beginning of spring
hasn’t exactly started the way I had been imagining it all these months, those thoughts
is what got me through. But I guess it’s also taught me about the danger of putting
all of your hope into one single thing, as that thing may never happen.
Given the circumstances, I now catch most of that sunlight through my window. I mean,
it’s not exactly the same as being outside but opening the winsow up first thing in the
morning and letting it stay open throughout the day does bring in some fresh air which
is quite nice.
I’ve never viewed being able to take a walk outside as a privilege, but I do now. Realizing
how fragile life is and how our freedom can be taken away at any moment has given me a
new appreciation for life. I’ve made sure to journal this time to look back whenever
I feel like complaining about trivial things.
Long train rides and weekly trips to the grocery store are examples of things that used to
feel burdensome. But now, I can’t wait to be pushed around in the crowded subway without
fear of catching something that could end in death for someone.
I hope I never take that for granted.
Since much of the world is standing still, I put more time and effort into my daily tasks.
Cooking, cleaning, exercising. Things that would often times feel like a chore, have
now turned into activities that I try to with… joy. I think it’s important, especially
in times like this. To make even the smallest things count.
Food, there’s been a lot of that.
There’s also been a lot of music.
I’ll play some jazz while cooking
I’ll listen to French classics while cleaning and try to sing along, although, let’s be
real, I have a long way to go before I can sing along to French songs.
Through all of this, the most important realization has been the importance of human connection
in times like this; the power of a simple act such as a phone call.
Checking in on loved ones every day now is non-negotiable. I don’t ever want to feel
like I didn’t cherish every moment that I’ve had with the people around me.
And not just check in, but to actually be there.
Be interested.
Listen.
Don’t bicker about things that don’t matter.
Because at the end
of the day,
a lot of it really doesn’t matter.