Last year when we were making plans for 2020, I’m almost positive that quarantine was NOT on the list.
But here we are.
It is now June & some places are still on lockdown with people who are unable to leave their homes unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Texas has pretty much opened back up to 50% capacity. So we aren’t all the way back to “normal,” but there are a lot more people out & about these days. Quarantine was hard. It brought on uneasiness, sadness, uncertainty, & so much more. But, it wasn’t ALL bad. There were some silver linings for me during the time I spent at home & I’m going to share them, because if you are still in a position where you are not yet quarantine-free, I want you to know that you can turn it into something positive.
Let’s discuss.
Getting Re-Focused on the Blog
It’s no secret that TPOL was kind of put on the back burner because of life happening & me working so much. I just didn’t have time – or at least, in my mind I didn’t. When the lockdown order was announced, I started working from home, which gave me easier access to my blog throughout the day. I got organized & planned for it, too. I knew that changes needed to be made, & what better time to get started than when you’re at home all day, everyday. I really thought about the direction I wanted to go with it, & now, TPOL is here. Still not perfect, but it’s now on it’s way because I was able to start taking steps.
Reading More
I know you’ve all heard of the saying, “Reading is fundamental.” That rings so true. Reading stimulates the mind. It’s a necessity. So I was super stoked when I realized that I could start reading again. Guys, there used to be a time when you wouldn’t catch me without a book in hand. Like, at all. I didn’t care where I was going or how long I was going to be there. I had a book. Being so busy took that away from me. After quarantine happened, I was back to having a book in hand all of the time. Even if I was just going to the couch.
Reconnecting with Friends
It’s so crazy how life can take you away from everything. Even the people you love. I’m so happy that I was able to reconnect with people I’d lost touch with. There’s been catching up with phone calls & texts daily. I love it. & it just reminds me of how blessed I am to have such amazing people to call friends.
Saving Money
This one is a biggie for me. I spend so much typically, but because I haven’t been going & doing like usual, I’ve saved a lot, which in turn has allowed me to invest more into the TPOL brand & other things that are super important. I’m honestly so proud of myself & the discipline I’ve had to NOT shop online. & yes, stores are slowly starting to open back up, but for now I’m just off to work & then straight back home. My bank account is happier.
Self-Care & Wellness
I’ve slowed down a lot & that has allowed me to really hone in on what I need as far as wellness & self-care. Lots of mental breaks have been happening. Deep breathing. Meditation. The works, honestly. I’m able to think clearer & I feel MUCH better.
Advancing my Tech Skills
Our world has shifted to a new norm. Everything is online. I was pretty tech savvy before, but now, I’ve picked up many more skills. I’m here for it, because learning & staying in tune with the tech universe is so my thing.
Setting Goals & Achieving Them
Being more focused has to be the most rewarding. I have set goals for TPOL since it was first launched back in 2017, & yes I’ve met many of those goals, but more often than not, procrastination & excuses reared their ugly heads. It is absolutely insane that it took quarantine for me to really sit down, write out my goals, & not stop until I achieve them. I’ve accomplished so much, & I know that there is a lot more that I’m going to get done.
So, guys. The ultimate silver lining here is time. It’s amazing what you can do with the right amount of time & the right mindset. Quarantine has been a learning experience & while the situation that caused it is absolutely horrible, something good came from it.
Alright, that’s all for today.
Oh, also I have to give a shoutout to the lovely Alison from Little Blog of Positivity who invited me, along with some other amazing bloggers, to share silver linings during these quarantine times.
I hope you guys are staying safe.
Until next time.
— L
xx
Gianna
Couldn’t agree more! As sad as it is with everything going on, the energy I was able to put into working on myself was much needed. It was a blessing in disguise. Great post!
pursuitofl
GiannaA blessing in disguise, indeed! Keep going girl! You’ll get to where you want to be! ❤️
Stacey
I experienced a lot of the same silver linings! Great ways to turn a bad situation into a good one. 🙂
pursuitofl
StaceyExactly! I’m happy you were able to experience a more positive outcome! ❤️
Shakia
I totally agree! Being in quarantine actually was a positive experience for me. I was able to focus more my blog and gained some new skills that I’ve never thought I would. This was such a great post! ❤️
pursuitofl
ShakiaI’m so happy for you! It’s amazing what a little extra time & dedication can do!❤️
Jana Style
You have a gorgeous blog! So glad I found you through style collective! I’ve been feeling very similar with my blog, I have recently started to re-focus on my posts and started planning new content again. Keep up the great work! xo Jana | http://www.janastyleblog.com
pursuitofl
Jana StyleAwww, thank you so much! ❤️ We should totally connect. I’ll definitely check out your blog!