Things I Have Learned About Myself in Quarantine

We have been in quarantine for what feels like forever. I never thought those would be words I would ever write. Who would have thought in our lifetime we would live through a pandemic? It’s been an eye-opening experience for me personally and professionally. It’s made me stretch and grow in ways I didn’t know I could.

I’ve learned some things about myself that the busyness of my usual schedule didn’t allow time for.

I forgot how much I loved to bake and cook. When we first got married, I made all kinds of cookies and cakes. I cooked so many of our meals and loved meal planning. Then came kids with after school schedules and two businesses to run and I didn’t have much time. I’ve cracked open my favorite cookbooks and dusted off my recipe box. I missed it more than I thought, and it has brought me comfort to bake my feelings away.

The clutter in my house was not just for lack of time. I have learned I just didn’t want to deal with it, so I’d shove it in a closet and move on. I have made myself buckle down and attack sections that have needed serious attention for a while now. It’s been quite freeing.

I didn’t think I was a hugger or a crier. Turns out, I like to hug people a lot more than I thought. And crying — who am I?! I realize we are going through a lot of emotional things right now. I’ve learned I feel a whole lot better when I just work my emotions out.

I also learned that the pace of life we were running at was very full. This pause has taught me that maybe we didn’t need all the busyness, and I’m leaning more to keeping our schedule freer.

Things will never be the same in so many ways. And in some ways, that’s a good thing. Quarantine has been HARD and SCARY for so many reasons for everyone. It’s been scary owning a small business and taking care of kids at the same time. But I am grateful for the extra hugs and the change of pace for a little while.

I hope even in this time, you have had some good moments too. Have you learned anything about yourself?