my outlook, emotions, thoughts, & opinions on COVID-19

Hi y'all! I know for around a month now, all anyone has been talking about is the COVID-19 virus. First, I want to give my thanks and gratitude to all the health care workers and public service professionals on the frontlines fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. Not all heroes wear capes! :) Anyway, you're probably tired of the endless conversations centered around this topic, and the numerous times people have asked "are you okay?" Trust me, as a high school junior, I totally get it. I myself have wanted to push the topic into the back of my mind, shove down my emotions, and pretend like nothing had happened. But about a month into quarantine, I have learned some things about myself.

Let's start with the most important point I have: IT IS OKAY TO BE SAD. Personally, throughout this last month I have felt a lot of guilt. Why am I sad? Shouldn't I be grateful that I live in a safe and healthy environment? I shouldn't feel sad, I'm not a senior. But we are all struggling in some way. You can be thankful for your circumstances, and feel sympathy for what others are going through, and still be sad. You are going to achieve nothing for bashing on yourself for having emotions. Your emotions are extremely valid and you are allowed to feel them. Nothing is "wrong with you" for being upset, or crying, or ranting to someone. Use those around you that you love and trust to talk through what you are feeling, or if you don't want to talk about it with someone else, write it down. Find a way to comfortably let out your emotions in a safe and healthy way. Hang in there! :)

Now, here are some ways I have been keeping positive and adapting to new routine to keep productivity in my life! Some of my favorite daily activities include: coloring! (relaxing & adds fun color to brighten your day!), going on drives & blasting the music, working out, reading more books, writing songs, cooking (more like attempting to cook), and singing! Find things that make you happy and get your mind off of everything that is going on around you. This is a very unique time in your life, so instead of wallowing (feel your emotions freely, but do not let them consume you), use this time to recharge and do all the things you never have time to do in other circumstances! Make other people's lives better, by posting uplifting messages on a social media platform, writing chalk messages, or emailing a healthcare worker you know! Come up with creative ideas to help boost the spirit of your community. And always remember, your worth is not determined by your productivity.

I will be the first to say this experience has been really hard for me. It's been difficult to not focus on all the things I have and will miss out on, and being an extreme extrovert I miss those physical connections with my peers & friends. With all these new situations being thrown at us, it is okay to feel overwhelmed. Through God's strength & love and support from those around you, we will get through this. Wash your hands, stay inside, and remind yourself you are loved and worthy. Feelings are valid, be there for those around you, and stay healthy! Take advantage of the opportunities you have with all this free time! And thanks again to all the brave and incredible healthcare workers for their steadfast humanism during this crisis. Stay strong!

Quote that I adore: "Count your rainbows, not your thunderstorms."

-Alyssa Knight

If you are stuck in a domestic violence situation during this time, please reach out to the hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. you are not alone.

xo, emma