IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
Alex Eduque
As the weeks pass us by, and as things seem to become more “normal,” I cannot help but look back and reminisce at travel plans that were supposed to be, but did not push through this year. Then, I fall into the black hole of reminiscing and looking back at old travel photos when getting on a plane was not the multi-tiered almost tedious process it is now. I do not know if it is because Christmas is nearing, and the holiday bells are ringing, but whatever it is, I think 35 weeks later, it is a valid sentiment to be longing for somewhat of an escape of sorts.
Escape – it used to be so easy to drive anywhere, or even fly somewhere for a short weekend trip. These days, so much thinking, contemplating, and testing is involved before plans can even be solidified. I recently went on a short break to Palawan and it was not until then that I realized how much I actually needed to breathe fresh air away from home. I remember the excitement leading up to the much anticipated trip, but this time, anxiety is mixed in there as RT-PCR tests are now a requirement. And though always vigilant, there is always that uncertainty until the green light is given which comes with a negative test result these days. Was it worth it? A loud, resounding yes. Just being out by the beach and hearing the ocean waves was a most welcome respite from the city. I have once again underestimated the power of rest and relaxation.
And to think that I thought I got a lot of it, especially during the early days of lockdown. Thought turns out to be the operative word. Doing nothing and staying home, it turns out, while ridden with fear and uncertainty does not equate to rest. Learning new quarantine cooking skills, crafting or swimming in your backyard, it turns out, were all outlets to escape the nervousness and anxiety that took over our thoughts and mind. Which brings me back to my initial starting point — escape.
Escape these days is undeniably very different from what it used to be; just a couple of months ago, and just last year. These days, it takes quite a lot of planning for an actual trip to happen. But this does not mean that it cannot happen in the confines and comforts of our homes – it just requires a bit more creativity. Sometimes, it is an hour of yoga practice, or any exercise. It could be simply cooking, baking, crafting, or getting lost in a television show. Whatever it is, one is entitled to it, and we must indulge ourselves.
Moreover, escape these days is a mindset more than anything and conditioning oneself mentally and emotionally to let go of the stresses even momentarily and meditate in the moment of tranquility and calm. Now more than ever, we must mind our mental health because this too dictates our overall physical health. Although escape is not what it used to be, we need it more than ever, and so let us make an effort to be kinder to ourselves.
If there is one thing this pandemic has constantly reminded me of, it is that people are coping in various ways and going through it in various phases and paces – some have fully adjusted to the new normal, others are adapting. And then there are those who are still scared and would rather still stay at home. Wherever you may find yourself in those stages, know that it is totally fine to be feeling that way, and you should not let anyone dictate how you are supposed to live your life. Now more than ever, I am appreciating the small things we used to take for granted in the past. In the same light, do not let anyone make you feel bad about your decisions and everyday actions for as long as you are not breaking any rules, protocols, or putting anyone’s health at risk. We must consciously make an effort to respect these decisions if we want to elicit the same. Long after this pandemic is over, people will remember how we made them feel in a tricky time so trying, so might as well leave them with something to smile about.