Post-Pandemic: Your Life First — Then Your Relationships.

In one way or another, our relationships have influenced, and will continue to influence, our lives. They are a very important part of daily living; yet we often forget to consider how they could either limit, or advance, our pursuit of fulfilment (not to mention satisfaction) in life.

Appreciating the people in your life.

In a way, this pandemic has forced me to live and interact more closely with my family members. In doing so, I have come to discover the realisation that I seldom give attention to the people in my life who really matter. When asked on his deathbed his dying wish, Steve Jobs did not desire more time to write programs, neither did he wish to impart the world with more innovation. No! It may puzzle you that he wished that he had created more memories with the people who really mattered—his family.

The lockdown also made me realise my possible addiction to my close friends and the incorrect mind-set that fun is impossible without them. Have you ever noticed that you just cannot be bored when you are with friends? There is always something new to discuss; could be a funny experience someone just had, a crazy love interest that is impossible not to talk about, or somewhere interesting another just visited.

I mean, just thinking about it brings back memories (#sniffles). There is always something new—anything, everything is interesting to talk about; and so I enjoy myself without a second thought. My friends have certainly helped in easing life’s burdens and tensions, not only in making sure good laughs are not far away, but also in giving good advice—even when it entails keeping quiet and just listening.

Well, news flash, now I have to make my own fun and it is no fun—or is it?

Balancing Priorities and Relationships.

As the lockdown progresses, I am forced to re-evaluate the things that I really love to do, the hobbies that bring me pleasure and in general, the talents that make life worth living. In the frenzy of assignments, tests, meetings, and the concomitant obligations that come with being a college student, I had forgotten. I had forgotten what it was like to sit by a piano and just create music, just getting lost in the delights that good sounds bring. I had forgotten how pleasantly arduous it was to sit by myself, alone, and meditate—or maybe just fantasize about my crushes. (Okay, that is on a lighter note!).

On the other hand, I have come to familiarise myself how cathartic it is to sit down and write something good, something worth reading. I have come to discover that I sometimes want to evade reality—or parts of it—by giving myself (and others) the impression of a busy life. It may not be easy to admit but, most times, I probably give my attention to the wrong things. Okay, maybe these things could be important, even necessary; but when do I get to do the things I want to do, the ones I know that I truly love?

In other words, Charles Swindoll says, “Guard against the tyranny of the urgent. The most important things will seldom scream for your attention, they will simply wait for you to discover them. Things like prayer, Scripture study, cultivating friendships, thinking, enjoying art. The loud and demanding are rarely as important as these.”

Recognising that Singleness is a blessing—and a gift.

How often had I stared at young couples outside my hostel, just wondering when exactly God was going to give me my own? How many times have I despised, or ignored, singleness just because of lies I was compelled to believe through movies, books, and even friends. I have come to realise that singleness is a blessing because I am the sole manager of my time—and that, in itself is a gift.

However, with great power, comes great responsibility (or so they say). This privilege comes with the knowledge that I can choose to use this time to develop and engage myself so I can throw myself into life with even more zeal, and the confidence that comes with being prepared.

…and there I go again, beating about the bush (#facepalms). So…Thank you for following me and reading up to here. If there is anything I want you to learn from all my rambling, it is that you actively and deliberately carve out time to do whatever it is that brings you joy, or makes you a better person (however unpleasant that may be) — because when you look back and consider your life, they will be the things that really mattered.

Related: Post-Pandemic: What Realities Await Us at School?