2020, I thought, was going to be a great year. Things were off to a great start as I had earned a spot in my school’s reputable Robot in 3 Days team shortly after the new year. A selective team every student in the robotics organization wanted a place on. Spring of 2020 was also the semester I would finally make my dreams of studying abroad in Europe a reality. However, just two months into the new year, I found myself returning back home from Europe–only halfway through my study abroad program. From there on, life as I knew it no longer existed. I was faced with disappointment, knowing I could no longer do many of the things I once loved, that I once took for granted–whether it was hanging out with my friends, exploring delicious restaurants around town, or shopping at the mall–I felt as if everything had been taken away from me. I felt as if all I had left was sadness, frustration, and an exhausting sense of loneliness.
Ever since the pandemic began, everything that was once a simple part of daily life, I now often consider a treasure. Leaving home to visit the post office feels relieving. Bike rides to the nearby park have never felt so satisfying. However, the one thing I now cherish the most–the one thing I could relive over and over again–is human contact. Two weeks ago, I got the chance to spend the day with a friend. It was the first time in over a month since I had interacted with anyone in person other than my mother. It was also the first time I had left my home to go anywhere other than my daily bike ride. My friend and I spent the entire day under the sun, relaxing on the bleachers behind my old high school, and exploring the walking trails nearby, all while chatting about anything and everything. Being outside the whole day felt so refreshing. But being able to get close with a friend and share time and space with each other, that was the greatest feeling of all. Though the day was spent in a simple way, I continue to relive it in my mind over and over, until I can again relive it in real life. This is a reminder not to take anything for granted. The little things in life, such as the chance to share smiles and secrets with a friend, or even just feeling the sun on your face, are worth cherishing. The current state of the world demonstrates the importance of appreciating the little things. The day our lives take a turn to the ordinary, we’ll all run out and embrace one another, and maybe appreciate the things we do, the nature around us, and the friends we have, just a bit more.
Author Bio: Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a rising university senior, with plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Health Coaching. I am passionate about various aspects of alternative healing, specifically Reiki, acupressure, and traditional eastern medicine. I am also a tarot reader, and I love being able to help others find clarity and guidance throughout life.