Recently, I was asked what I’ve learned about myself while being quarantined at home away from a life of regularity.
Many will inevitably see this question as odd or not pertaining to them, for the subject of self-reflection is often believed to be limited to those who seek the guidance of counselors or psychologists. But in reality, we all could benefit from such observations.
I’ve always been a rather self-reflective individual, therefore, I suspected I’d have no trouble discovering a few things I’ve learned about myself recently. What was surprising however were the things I learned.
I’m far more adaptable than previously thought
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin
I readily admit that I’m a bit of a control freak – I like routines, order, predictability and not being told what I can and cannot do in my day-to-day life. But if there’s one commonality during this pandemic, it’s the absence of normalcy.
A few years ago, if faced with similar pandemic circumstances, I’m not so sure I’d easily adapt to that absence of normalcy. But I think it’s important to remember, especially during these times, that life is about adapting not always maintaining the status quo. Sometimes, you need to shrug your shoulders and say, “everything is temporary” and I’ll figure out ways to adapt and just be grateful for what I do have, right here and now.
And believe me, you have more to be thankful for than you probably realize.
I already have everything I need in this life
“We need much less than we think we need.” – Maya Angelou
I’ve always been a somewhat envious person – a feeling so many of us are plagued with in a society which is bred to believe that the more “things” we have to impress others, the more successful we are in the eyes of the world.
But when you temporarily remove yourself from this materialistic society, something quite profound begins to emerge. As Angelou stated, you really do need much less than you think.
My wife and I live a modest and frugal existence, and while sometimes it can be easy to get lost in Keeping up with the Joneses, I consider myself truly blessed by the simplicity of our lifestyle.
Entertainment is found in cooking together, doing little projects around the house, reading a good book, gardening or simply sitting outside enjoying the beauty of a spring day. When you separate what you “want” from what you truly “need” in this life, you begin to realize that you already have everything.
I’m glad I was asked what I’ve learned about myself while being quarantined at home. It’s not often we’re given the gift of solitude and I hope you’re all using it wisely.