"BOUNCE BACK"

(a quarantine blog)

"Guys, be ready to take home your PC" this is one of the last things that our manager said to us before we bid goodbye to each other. The supposed two-week work-at-home setup led to a year far from the norm. In an instance, Manila's crowded streets, including the hustle and bustle of cars, suddenly became deserted. Going to restaurants and social gatherings were prohibited. Companies and other establishments were force to close their doors, resulting in unemployment. Supermarkets have never been busy as before. Face masks are now a necessity. Panic and fear dominate the nation, and seeing all these, you tell yourself the big question: What Now?

What now?

As checkpoints and curfews were put in place, you'll hear stories from the media that some families do not have the choice but to be disconnected from one another. Transportation became difficult as some cities closed their borders from outsiders. People in the medical field became in-demand as they're obliged to be alert and prepared 24/7.

Physically, you are safely confined in the comfort of your own home, but your mind is at a loss to all that is happening. As the number of deaths in the news is increasing day by day, your mental health suffers. The once active and energetic you is now locked in wherein the only companion you have is your own thoughts. You are now helpless, confused, afraid, and not in control.

For now.

You wake up to another day and saw the many businesses popping up. Live streaming becomes a great tool to market a product or a channel to show one’s talent. You become more appreciative of those who check on you and be sensitive enough, knowing that you are not the only one who struggles.

As you look in the mirror, you know that you can’t remain like this forever. You need to adjust to the situation and start to make the most out of it. You get a piece of paper and list the things that make you grateful. You shift your attention to the things that motivate you and what ignites your passion. You try to get into new hobbies, which allows you to explore a different side of yourself. A persona that you never knew existed before.

And then it just clicks in your head. As days go by, you stop being a victim of the situation and choose to act instead. You stop thinking that you are helpless because the truth is with the right resources, you can create new things that you may offer to the world. You slowly pick up yourself and start fighting again. You may not have the answers to all why’s and how’s, but you can finally accept the fact that there are just certain things that you cannot control. And that’s ok!

By being grateful, you are choosing to be at peace.

By being creative, you are choosing growth.

2020 is indeed a memorable year for all of us. We are now part of a significant moment in history. But what makes it more remarkable is that this pandemic was not able to knock you down. Deep inside, you are brave. You are resilient.

And You can bounce back --- NOW.