Stay Connected

Let me share with you a post I saw online.

“My whole life I’ve been telling myself, “don’t be afraid.” And it is only now that I’m realizing how stupid that is. Don’t be afraid is like saying … “don’t be human”. I’m afraid and you’re afraid and we’re always going to be afraid. What I should be telling myself is “Be afraid, but do it anyway. Live anyway.” – Unknown

I would be lying if I say I’m okay during this COVID-19 pandemic. I had restless nights, cried myself to sleep, did stress eating, stared at the ceiling, turned my phone off, and simply wished this will all be over. My body was fine, my mind and heart were not.

“I’m afraid and you’re afraid and we’re always going to be afraid.”

Then I read that post. I read it over and over again.

I have come to realize that, even when we’re apart and in our own little corners, we are all feeling the same way. We are all going through the same thing. Surprisingly, this notion gave me the slightest feeling of relief and somehow, comfort. I realized it was not the virus I feared; I feared being the only one afraid (if there is such a thing).

“Be afraid, but do it anyway. Live anyway.”

For the first time in history, we feel connected and we are called to connect even more. This is an opportunity to maximize all that we’ve got and focus on more important and greater things before we get back to the hustle and bustle of our own cities.

This article is not really a hack, but rather a reminder to make the most of our time to connect, most especially to three parts of our lives.

Technology

Imagine being in this situation with just telegrams or beepers. You just can’t.

For a moment, let’s be grateful that we are here during this time when technology is powerful. One click can go a long way.

I have a group of friends from college and I have been MIA for two recent dinner dates because I had to do some extra work. I felt so bad during this lockdown until we agreed to install an online game. We do group calls while we play and I can say it made me feel so much better; not playing but simply talking to them and hearing their voices.

Use the power of technology to engage with the people who are close to your heart. Unlike our usual fast-paced life outside our homes, our time has slowed down. Take this chance to really talk, apart from the usual his and hellos. Have true and meaningful conversations with the people you know. Talk about the things that make you smile, your dreams and aspirations, or your childhood memories.

This is one way of letting them know that, despite this challenging world we live in, we are all looking out for each other. We have one another.

The Family

Isn’t a family vacation at home something to smile about?

My mom has this exercise routine at home and this time, I finally have the time to join her every morning. Meanwhile, my sister loves music so the house can sometimes turn into a dance party, unless my tita wants all of us to watch her favorite tv show. It’s in the smallest of moments that we remember.

We are guilty about complaining we have less time to spend with our families. Now, we have no excuse but to treasure each day with them. Cook them breakfast, play some board games, check something you all love online, or watch a Netflix series together.

Let them feel they have company. Nothing makes them stronger than feeling your love.

The One

We often forget one person we need to take care of first. That person is someone you never deemed as important. That someone, is you.

When was the last time you did something not for anybody else but for you alone? When was the last time you rewarded yourself for the things you have done well, for the struggles you faced, even for just surviving every single day? Consider this your reward. Consider this the time to choose yourself.

Do something you actually love, probably something you have put off for a while, or something you always wanted to start such as a new skill or hobby (eating and sleeping don’t count!). Being able to journal again helps me record my dreams, understand my thoughts, release negative energy, and more importantly, list down things I am grateful for.

Listening to the needs of your mind and soul is most vital during tough situations. I know you care for others deeply, but never forget to also care for your own well-being.

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All these three would cease to exist without the Higher Being that we praise and pray to everyday. No matter what our religion is, we all have to take part in reconnecting with our Higher Being. Maybe we are being told something – that we should trust the process. And no matter what happens, we should,

Live anyway.

We, in Megaworld International, welcome all people who are willing to open up and share their stories, experiences, feelings, and thoughts during this pandemic. We promise to listen and try to write back. Click here.

Written by Karen Casalme