By: Alesa Arnett
Wow! It’s been a LONG year already, hasn’t it? This unique period in our history definitely provided ‘extra’ time to pause and look in on my life through a crystal clear prism; ‘extra’ time to dissect my habits and ‘extra’ time to place an ‘extra’ laser-focused interest on my family and the challenges they’ve endured. I even used some ‘extra’ time to grow more aware of my surroundings and ‘extra’ time to become involved with my local community. And MORE ‘extra’ time to refine by personal training business plan! So, where the heck did all this ‘extra’ time come from?
First, I am very fortunate to receive my military pension and NOT have to work; for this I am extra thankful. Believe me, with the ‘extra’ time I’ve gained, I’ve devoted more attention to EVERYTHING. Second and most important, I am quite aware and can actually empathize with those who must work and those who lost work; I’ve experienced both. So without work being a priority and by ‘staying in’ as much as possible since mid-March, the ‘extra’ time just seemed to pile up! Amazing! I see many families outdoors walking; I hear much laughter. Even though so many are avoiding others by staying home, it has prompted us to simply spend and enjoy ‘extra’ time together. Did these people find ‘extra’ time because of COVID-19 circumstances, or did they simply choose to re-prioritize and bring more ‘balance’ into their lives? These times may not be changing anytime soon, so without getting too long winded and wasting any more of YOUR precious ‘extra’ time, here are some things I realized after using up some of mine:
I no longer flaunt my beliefs and opinions; I’ve decreased that by a-lot! Not on Facebook and not by plastering bumper stickers on my car. As we all have seen, raising your voice when it doesn’t add value frequently incites anger and gets people all riled up. ZERO value added to society when this happens. My car is clean!
I no longer ‘window’ shop! Nor do I ‘need’ as many things as I thought I might. Staying in has saved me some cash and decreased SO many little shopping excursions!
I haven’t traveled lately, but at the same time I travel around the world! I love my Amazon Prime TV, Netflix and a Roku (which will get us out of Direct TV!). I love learning about other countries and other cultures, all from the comfort of my own home.
I no longer need the gym. I’ve discovered the world of online everything, and do a different workout each time I exercise on my covered back porch. Priceless!
I’m thankful for Tango, Duo, Facetime, etc. I can only imagine what my life would look without the ability to see and interact with my children and grandchildren.
I love my home and my family…SO much more. Like many, my husband and I have enjoyed doing some work in the yard together. We laid a flagstone patio, ourselves. My daughter stops in to bring us home cooked meals, or spend time joining me for a coffee/tea at our favorite coffee truck right down the street. It feels so good to enjoy the rewards of your own hard work, and feels even better to see how much you are thought of and loved by your children.
I’ve found some ‘extra’ peace. Maybe I’ve entered another phase of life, or maybe I simply recognize the need to let go of the small stuff and savor all the positive vibes!
Have we changed in response to this crisis, or have the repercussions of this crisis forced us to change? Whatever the reason, I’ve joyfully embraced those that have come my way. How about you? Do things you’ve come to realize over the past year differ from my things? I’d be interested to know! Even though it’s been a strange ride, I know I’ve become a calmer, more positive and peaceful human being…and yes, I think my husband would agree!
Alesa is living the best life ever in San Antonio with her husband and daughter Rhiannon. Daughter Vanessa / grandsons are near California and US Marine-son Cody is near San Diego. (and on his way home soon!)