She Strengthens

Embracing Change: How the Pandemic Helped Me Find My True Self

For a long time, I ignored the parts of my brain that stressed me out too much. I pushed through, thinking they were minor setbacks or inconveniences. But then came February 2020, and everything changed. The pandemic forced many of us to grieve our “normal” lives, feeling disconnected from our realities and unsure of where to go next.

A Time for Reflection

As I spent more time alone, I began to confront the harmful ways I’d been living my life. Without the distractions, I realized how much my body needed rest and self-care. I started watching movies, got back into meditation, and began working on personal projects that brought me joy. I discovered that food isn’t an enemy, and neither is my body.

Reassessing Habits

Over the last 10 months, I’ve slowly been working on expelling those behaviors and lifestyles that weren’t good for me. Some went quietly, while others required more effort. But I’m not alone. Many have had to reassess the habits that felt quintessential to who they are.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Lucie Fielding, a therapist and author, notes that helping professionals often prioritize their clients’ self-care over their own. But when she began working from home and offering telehealth in March 2020, she had to confront her own self-care needs. She started adding morning rituals, setting boundaries, and reorganizing her home space. “I became really good at reading and responding to work emails/messages only between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday,” she explained.

Finding Intentional Living

Cat Wheeler, a former healthcare worker, got a new job that allows her to work from home. This change enabled her to control her time, cook more, read more, and pursue hobbies like running and music. She’s also been spending more time with her pets, catching up with old friends, and seeking support for her depression. “I would say that every one of these was a change directly related to COVID,” she said.

A New Perspective

As I look back on the past year, I’ve learned to take better care of myself and see more clearly the things I can never go back to. I’ve figured out the kinds of relationships I want to have, both platonic and romantic, and what kind of relationship I want to have with myself. And I’m not forcing myself to grow in circumstances that I know will only make me shrink.

Embracing the Changes

So yes, there are plenty of habits that 2020 broke — and many of us can say we’re thankful for it. The pandemic may have been a difficult time, but it’s also given us the opportunity to reassess our lives and make positive changes that will last long after it’s over.