IN THIS time of crisis, I stayed at home for more than two weeks after my hospitalization. I was able to contemplate about life. The lockdown may be cutting so much of my privileges but I did not notice that it was a way for me to slow down and appreciate the many things I give less importance.
For the past years, from Mondays to Sundays, I am used to waking up at 5 a.m. Getting up from bed at 6 a.m. for me is a mortal sin. Now, my body and soul accommodate the idea that I can wake up even at 10 a.m. and I don't get mad at myself, but I feel the joy of sleeping without worries and not in a hurry.
When I am home, if I am not with my pen, I am busy with the laptop. I cannot hear even the loudest noise; may it be from television or sound systems. I even fail most of the time to listen to my husband's views and children's opinions because I am focused on my world. And now I cannot imagine that I can hear our big dog's barking and birds chirping. I even noticed that we have trees at home dancing with the wind.
Funny but I now see the beauty of my simple home. I am happy to see how organized our kitchen is, our old dining table that reminds me of happy memories and even the big change in our sink.
There were so many things in life I failed to notice -- the family that prepares my medications on time, my best friend Grace since kindergarten, and the many blessings that I received from God every day of my life.
The lockdown due to coronavirus disease may have prevented me from doing my usual routine but the abrupt change made me realize that slowing down, just for a time can make our lives different -- beautifully different.