Social Isolation Diaries

Like everyone else out there, who has nothing better to do than post memes on social media for entertainment and wait for social isolation to end, I am quite… bored. I try to find entertainment in mundane ways, drinking extra cups of tea for fun, crafting a cup of coffee so meticulously and artistic, as if I’m a chef at a five star restaurant, and sitting outside watching cars drive by (that’s kind of like social interaction?).

Maybe this time at home, forcing us to all collectively slow down is necessary in some way? I know I personally have a hard time stopping to relax for a bit, but maybe, over the course of the next few weeks (months? half year? ), I’ll learn just how much I need it occasionally to be in tune with myself and my own needs.

Maybe being away from friends and work, school, etc., we’ll realize that we’ve been taking them for granted – not grateful for what we have until it’s gone. We’ll return with a newfound sense of appreciation for every aspect of our lives, excited to return to the prospect of attempted normalcy. But who knows if that will even be possible after this all ends?

Or maybe some of us will realize that these aspects of our lives were not useful or beneficial in the slightest. We’ll then quit our jobs, stop talking to our friends, and drop out of school. (It could happen, okay?)

I’ve realized during this (in the most part) period of solitude a few things about myself (and the world around me).

1. When there is nothing going on besides Corona, my mind is almost always completely blank or thinking about the virus. It’s interesting how much what the media is reporting on takes over our minds. what we’re consuming most influences what we’re thinking most. In the future, I’m going to pay closer attention to the media and its impacts on society. How does it control or guide the way we think, topics of conversation, and perceptions of social norms? 
2. Creative inspiration originates externally and is processed internally. It’s hard for me to find inspiration from my writing when I’m spending my time doing so little. I guess a lot of inspiration can come from interactions with others. (So much for my idea of writing a book alone in the mountains somewhere!)
3. None of the little things matter at all. Generally I don’t get upset too much, but sometimes I tend to take slights a little too personally. I overthink the interaction and wonder what the other person meant or is thinking. But the only thing this does is cause unnecessary stress. When there’s a pandemic plaguing literally the entire planet, these petty personal problems become pretty insignificant. 

Amid the chaos and uncertainty of times ahead, maybe we’ll find some clarity within ourselves. Or maybe we’ll all go insane? Only time will tell.