As a high school assistant principal and mother of three little ones under five, I must admit that I found some unexpected joy in quarantine. While the pandemic itself has brought about immense suffering and challenges—such as the loss of lives, business closures, and the disruption of our daily routines—the time spent in quarantine allowed me to reflect and grow in ways I never anticipated.
Before the lockdown began, my life was a whirlwind. I was juggling my roles at work, coaching college softball, dabbling in photography, and preparing for my Ph.D. defense—all while being eight months pregnant with my third child. People often marveled at how I managed it all, and honestly, I was just as bewildered. However, the quarantine forced me to confront the reality of my hectic lifestyle, which was taking a toll on my mental and physical health. I felt irritable, anxious, and disconnected from my family.
When life slowed down suddenly in March, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This interruption made me take a hard look at my priorities. As I began to sift through my life, I asked myself what I wanted to keep moving forward and what I could let go of. A post I saw from an influencer really resonated with me: “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” This sentiment became the foundation for my reflections.
I liken my process of reevaluation to searching for treasures on the beach. As a child, I would sift through sand with my grandfather in search of shark’s teeth, examining each find critically. Now, I’m doing the same in my life, distinguishing between the sand—the distractions and stress—and the shark’s teeth—the valuable experiences and habits I want to keep.
So, what are my “shark’s teeth”? For starters, the slower pace of life has been incredibly beneficial. I’ve learned to appreciate breathing space and realized that I can find joy in simpler moments with my children, like leisurely strolls or backyard picnics. I have become more active, often logging over 10,000 steps daily, and I’ve even rediscovered my love for journaling and meal prepping.
On the flip side, there are aspects of life that didn’t work as well. I have missed quality time with my husband, and the anxiety surrounding COVID-19 has been overwhelming. I’ve found myself losing track of time on social media and indulging in chocolate more than I should. Balancing work and family commitments has often blurred my boundaries, leaving me craving social interaction.
As we start to emerge from quarantine, my focus is on maintaining the positives I’ve discovered. This might mean dedicating time to journaling, saying no to extra work projects, or prioritizing family activities over chores. Intentionality will be essential in ensuring I don’t revert to my previous ways.
While COVID has been a challenge, the quarantine has provided me with a much-needed opportunity for growth and reflection. I’m ready to embrace a life where I can breathe, be present, and find comfort in the space around me. Just like combing the beach for shark’s teeth, I’m committed to discovering what truly matters.
If you’re interested in more insights on home insemination, check out this other blog post. For authoritative advice on artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, the CDC provides an excellent resource on infertility and reproductive health that can help guide your journey.
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Summary: Quarantine has allowed me to reassess my priorities and embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle. While the pandemic has posed significant challenges, it has also provided an opportunity for personal growth, reflection, and deeper connections with my family.
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