I have learned how to be much more comfortable staying home. I exercise in the morning using various online available exercise videos. I also take a 40 minute walk every afternoon with my H and spend the remaining time—
—doing whatever I want or need to do. And sometimes that is —whatever I want or need to do!
I really am not hating being forced to slow down and sit back and relax more.
Do you think this will alter how you live in the future?
I also have become more settled staying home and don’t feel like I’m climbing the walls. It doesn’t mean I don’t terribly miss going out.
I also found I’m a bit weaker than I thought. We’ve been 95% really good during the pandemic…but did let our guard down when we knew we shouldn’t. Things like sitting across from friends in an outdoor restaurant. Yes, we were outside but only 2 to 3 ft. Apart. Didn’t do it a lot, but still.
The first thing I learned early in the pandemic was that I was one of those people who when extremely stressed lost weight. I learned how important socializing is to me - even if it is over zoom or on the phone. Same thing for yoga - it is the highlight of my week.
I’ve learned I can get addicted to being online if I’m not careful. One would think I would/could read a lot more, but that still piles up - same as when I was working. The extra time goes to being outdoors or online. Outdoors doesn’t surprise me at all.
I’m almost tempted to sign up for FB now - never have been before. But mostly I’ve become really good at a couple of computer games.
I’ve learned that the hermit life is the life for me.
I’ve learned who people really are at their core.
I’ve learned that essential people don’t get paid enough.
People who serve others like: Nurses, teachers, hairstylists, servers/waitstaff, housekeepers, plumbers and trades people earn their keep and then some. They don’t get paid enough.
I’ve rekindled new friendships from high school classmates who are like-minded, kind, generous and caring.
I’ve learned that family members may speak one way, but act in another way that can be vicious, and I wonder why I never saw it before.
I’ve gotten better at sewing, cooking, baking, crafting, zooming, writing cards and gaining weight.
I’ve learned that I don’t miss eating in a restaurant as much as I thought. That used to be the highlight of my week - the Saturday night dinner out. Take out is fine.
Wearing a mask 8 hours/day at a desk job isn’t that bad. It does take getting used to, but it’s not that bad.
To all of those people who apparently don’t care about my health, I have learned that I will have a hard time forgiving them. They have lost my respect and then some.
I learned that I’m not cut out for isolation. I was unable to work for a week back in April because of early pandemic concerns at my job. At that time it was unclear when/if we would be able to return to work. I was extremely stressed by the thought of an extended isolation. I’m not an extroverted person but I crave interaction with others and not just a few in my household. I was very relieved to be able to return to work after one week.
I have been alone since last March and have learned that I can not only endure but appreciate some aspects of this isolation.
As long as my kids are okay.
I learned that I would be fine as a retired person. Before the pandemic I worried about what I would do if I retired. I was home for several weeks last spring/summer, and I found plenty to do, even when we couldn’t really do much of anything. So, I decided I would retire this year.
I learned that I have a shocking ability to fritter away a whole week. As a person who is known as relentlessly busy in normal times, I am surprised by my ability to spend a whole day laying on the couch, reading the same variant of a news story over and over. Time loses meaning. I learned the importance of human connection to my work colleagues. I got to know them and my supervisor on a personal level, which has been very meaningful to all of us over the last year.
I’ve learned that I have a loyal enough group of friends. But also how covid caused some to shelter and reduce contact (an odd pulling back, as if a text or phone call jeopardizes their health and they won’t risk a chat. Huh?) And which are so wrapped up in themselves and their own perspectives, that they all but cut off contact.
This is a time when the good gets recognized (when we can) and the odd stands out, too. And when we should, afaiac, reach out to friends in need. When we pass all this, I wonder if some of my formerly close relationships will endure.
One very social friend did cut off another long-time friend, living alone, with relatives far off, who is being “too needy.” How hard is it to pick up the phone?
I came to the same conclusion!
Sorry. This was my response to decision to retire. I’m about to begin my last semester teaching. I now know I am so ready, willing and able. Able mentally. Financially, I’m pretty sure so.
My husband has been unemployed since April (energy sector). I have learned how to totally stop spending money on anything but the basics.
I’ve also learned how to deal with a lot of loss. Since March four of my good friends have moved away. And because of closures a number of friends in my church have also moved on.
October I lost my dear uncle to cancer. He wasn’t able to get treatment because of Covid.
Right before Christmas my husband, kids and I all got Covid. While we all did ok, I have struggled with sinus issues and losing my voice.
Basically I’ve learned to persevere. Just when I think it can’t get worse it does but we get through it with God’s help too!
I have learned I need a schedule. I do go to work outside the home 5 days a week. But, I need to have items on my to do list for my free time, otherwise I can blow the whole day. Nothing wrong with that, but I judge myself and need to feel like I accomplished something. Walks and exercise are one, and then non essential but need to get done household stuff. I am a few years away from retirement and I have definitely learned I need to get more involved in clubs and other activities.
As a response to a couple of comments above, I am someone who really, really dreads talking on the phone. Not that I can’t do it, but I really avoid it. Picking up the phone is not an “easy” emotional task for some of us.
I knew that but quarantine has solidified that I don’t need a lot of social interaction. Give me my home and outside time and I’m pretty satisfied. I also don’t miss restaurants.
I also have really curbed spending on things like clothing. Those random trips to TJMaxx for another piece of activewear, shoes, whatever - just adds to bulk in the closet. I think I will move forward with a lighter closet/drawer stash but happier with the choices I do spend $ on.
We miss the freedom of the little things----an impromptu Sunday drive, having the kids drop in to photocopy something as a pretext to visit, poking around the public library, meeting a neighbor on a walk and stopping to chat, etc.
It’s the little things is so true!
@abasket Like you I have also curbed spending on clothes, but not on activewear and walking shoes since those are all that I wear! I also got 2 new purses for Christmas and just bought a new mini Longchamp backpack on sale at Nordstrom. My excuse is that when I do go to the grocery store I need to take a purse.