During This Uncertain Time- Living in a Pandemic
Updated: Nov 25, 2020
As I write this post in my self-quarantine all I can think about is DAMN, life changes in 0.2 seconds completely. One day I was enjoying my time on the clear blue beaches of Malaga and the next minute I got emergency emails saying study abroads have to go home because of this corona pandemic. Literally think, one minute I'm exploring ancient castles and churches and next minute I'm in my room for 14 days for the safety of myself but mainly others.
Just a couple of weeks ago I talked with my friend about how "it's crazy how you never know something will be the last time. The last time you get together with a group of friends or the last time you stop at your fave bakery because one day things can change and it will never be the same."
I can sit and cry that I don't get to see all these wonderful friends I've made, that my time got cut short, that so many plans got ruined, and that most importantly I got separated from the love of my life who's in Europe right now but what would be the point? I've cried many tears and cursed many things but I had to give myself a reality check that it's not just me. There are millions of people right now in this same situation and honestly in even worse situations.
There are people who's grandmas or grandpas are in the hospital right now battling this virus on the brink of death, or Italy on complete lockdown and other countries following. My friends are losing their income because of closures. There are people without enough money to stockpile supplies while others OVER BUY and are stealing from the poor and old who need help during these times. There are families separated by these countries closing borders or people who don't know how they'll get home because airlines are shutting down left and right.
Please remember to be kind and help each other. This is NOT the time to have a selfish thought process. That means SHARE things like sanitizer and basic necessities, you don't need 30 bags of rice and 20 bottles of sanitizer while you're stuck at home. Be mindful of others and if you feel sick stay home, or if you just came back from a trip, went through airports, STAY HOME. I have been away from my family for 3 months and still I refuse to see them until I do 14 days of self-quarantine to make sure I'm not putting anyone at risk, and you should do the same.
But all I can say is I am so thankful I got home alright and pray that everyone else can do the same and that people will take this seriously. Listen, I felt comfort knowing this virus probably won't kill me if I catch it but that doesn't mean I'm pretending it's nothing. There's a balance needed between over panicking and not caring at all. It can get scary, thinking something is inside you and using YOUR body to mutate itself and spread; it can be a cold to you but DEATH to someone else so please please take care.
And this is needed for me to say but THANK YOU to all the people I've met these 3 months. Every single person has a place in my heart and just know Webster Leiden, you have some of the most amazing people I've ever met.
I'm a huge believer that everything happens for a reason and my roommate said something to me that I really love; "they say we part to meet and we meet to part. I pray we meet in good health, wealth in Allah's Rahmah and Barakah." This one sentence soothed my soul and I know this was all a bigger plan in God's eyes, or whatever you believe in. Thank you Haniyah for the encouraging words and for being a great roommate.
It will be okay and the world will go on. Times are tough but if anyone wants to talk I'm here and honestly I want to talk to people too. We are not alone in this and SIDE NOTE, if you have anxiety about this virus please don't check the news everyday about it. Trust me, the media makes it all 10000x worse and I'm not diminishing the virus but the media does cause tremendous panic. Take a break, go read or write or play COD like my boyfriend is right now and probably will be for the next 14 days. Much love and take care ya'll.
Love, AKO
Thanks for reading everyone! I appreciate each and everyone of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read what I have to say. I pray my words can spark a thought, a lost hope, or a will to reach for the stars inside of you.
I'll link my book insta page which has short reviews, cute quotes, and giveaways.