Ten Things I Learned Last Year

 

Introvert that I am, my social habits didn't change all that much during the pandemic-driven quarantine last year. But forced solitude is a different matter, and I had to adjust to not seeing friends and family in person. I had to rely on phone calls (I've never been a big phone talker, even as a teenager), texts, and emails more than ever, and at times, just retreated from everything.

It would be easy to paint the entire year with a broad tar-filled brush, but there were a few unexpected bright spots, along with more time to just be with my own thoughts. So, in no particular order, here are ten things I learned last year:

1. My cats sleep at least 18 hours a day.

2. Never underestimate the power of a sky break.

3. My day job doesn't belong in my house, but I can make room for it without losing my muse. In fact, the two can complement each other.

4. I rediscovered the simple joy of writing a letter and anticipating a reply.

5. Forced solitude is different than chosen, but it's okay.

6. Social media is even more annoying during a pandemic.

7. Good lighting is your best friend on Zoom.

8. A 15-minute department phone call is good for at least 1500 steps.

9. "If not now, when?" is a very powerful question.

10. Never underestimate the power of going for a drive and listening to music.

This year didn't begin well, prompting some to wonder if it's the thirteenth month of 2020. When will things begin to look up? No one knows, but I do know that I want to respond to chaos differently this year. And I don't want to forget last year, because I want to continue to learn from it. I want to continue to practice bending without breaking, and I want to feel lighter. I can't change what's going on around me, and in the world at large, but I can change how I react.