I think most of us can agree, that alot has changed in the last year. Not only have our lives been flipped upside down, but I am sure many of us have deal with grief, depression and anxiety and so many other things. The last year has been such a struggle in many ways. Being isolated from our loved ones and having our daily routines thrown away. Having to adjust to our new normal has been a challenge.
I was sat thinking about this one morning, and I started to think about how everything around me had changed. But began to realise, that I have changed too. I mean, it was going to happen wasn’t it? As humans we adapt to our surroundings. We have to. It’s like we go into survival mode, and I think thats what alot of us have done. And although the last year has been hard, there are some changes I’ve made that I want to keep. Out of the negative of the pandemic have come some really great positives.
MY PRIORITIES HAVE CHANGED
Before the pandemic, I would say that I was pretty comfortable where I was at in life. And I read once that as soon as you get comfortable, thats when you should consider doing something new. I was comfortable in my job, I was comfortable in where I was mentally and physically. But I had this burning desire to do something different.
After being in the second lockdown in the UK, I knew it was time to do something about being comfortable. Pre-pandemic, if you would have asked me if I wanted a new job role I would have said no, not in a million years. I loved my work team and everything I did. I had no reason to change what I was doing. But during the pandemic, an opportunity knocked on my door and I would have been an idiot not to take it. I took the risk, and got out of the comfort bubble I was in and got myself a new job.
My priorities and the things I want in life are so different now. I want different things from life. Material items don’t interest me anymore. I’d rather invest in memories and things that will encourage me to grow. Even as I write this, it blows my mind to think back to how my mindset is completely different.
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NEW HOBBIES
The pandemic has changed me in more ways that one. This blog is a result of the pandemic. If I wasn’t at home more and had more free time, this blog would never have come back. Many of you know my blogging journey story, and know that I re-started this blog in the middle of a lockdown. I needed a focus and a hobby to really get into.
Not only did I start my blog, I also began drawing digital illustrations. Something I had never done before. I invested in myself, and now I have made it into a business and have had orders from people all around the world.
More recently over the last 5 months I started my new fitness and lifestyle journey. I started to care for my body, and treat it with respect. I have lost weight, and I have fallen in love with exercise.
Looking back at me pre-pandemic, I don’t think I would even recognise myself. I am a shell of the woman I once was.
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FEELING MORE GRATEFUL
It might sound a little silly, but the pandemic has changed me and really helped me to be grateful for what I have. Which comes back to the change I made in not needing material items. I don’t need things around me. I need family, friends and loved ones. They are the ones that bring me joy. I won’t ever take for granted being able to hug my auntie, and see my nephews. They are the most important parts of my life.
Being grateful that I can go outside and be in the fresh air and nature. I would never have done that before the pandemic. There has been so much heartbreak thats come from coronavirus. But also so much positive and exciting change for alot of us.
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The pandemic has changed me, do you feel like you have changed too? If so, how have you changed? What new habits and hobbies have you discovered?
The last year and a half has been tough and its safe to say that the pandemic has changed me and changed alot of other people too. But one thing I am grateful for is this space I have created. I am grateful everyday that I get to do this, and share these experiences with you all.
Olivia x
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Hi Olivia, I was just inspired reading your post! Well this pandemic has really changed my perception of my life too. I retinked my priorities, spending time with my family more and started a new hobby of pc building
Great post!! It was really nice reading how your life has changed after pandemic. Think I could relate to your part about being in the comfort zone. I was happy with my life but after lockdown, I wanted to do something new and exciting. My priorities was changed too.
I’ve always been an Introvert in my entire life but after pandemic, I have so many regrets. So from now on, I’m going to live a life that I won’t ever regret!!
I love that there have been so many others who have found positives aswell. It would be easy for us to wallow in self pity and think about how hard life is. But actually, there is always a positive, even in a negative situation!
Hi Olivia!
It was so cool to read how much you have changed and your life has changed in the pandemic. I think my life and my mindset has changed quite a bit and I’m glad that I’m not the person I was before the pandemic. I definitely reevaluated my priorities in life and learned to lean on God and my family during this difficult time while also discovering new hobbies (my blog would have never existed if it wasn’t for the pandemic either.)
God above anything else! I think the last year we have had to learn to put God first. He is in control after all!
Yes, Pandemic has changed everyone one way or the other. Hobbies are best friends when a person is alone. Pandemic made us realise the value of hobbies and true friends.
Stay blessed Olivia.
🙏🌹🙏
You’re right! Thanks for reading Jas!
Dear Olivia,
Your post is definitely something everyone will relate to. This global pandemic has definitely made us pause and think about our priorities. For me personally, I have become a bit more Patient , started listening to people not to respond but to know how they feel. I started blogging which was a big step for me since I have always been afraid of I would ever find the audience for my work. Risk taking was something I always avoided but ironically this is what I learnt that if not today then maybe I wouldn’t ever get the opportunity to do something. I have understood that work is important but it’s not my life.. Imagine it took a pandemic to teach me that I should be grateful every single second of my life.
I love what you said there. Its so important to listen to others and actually hear what they are saying. I’m glad that this pandemic brought you the confidence boost you needed to start your blog!
Turning negatives to positives! I love this!
Yes for sure!
I love this post and it is beautiful seeing your growth as a person, even if I don’t really know you. I took up spinning to channel my energy and became a personal trainer; I’m still getting in shape. Thank you for sharing your journey during the pandemic!
Thank you so much, thats so kind💕 This is so awesome. Good luck on your new journey.
I am so incredibly grateful to have positives during the pandemic. Took up knitting, did more walking, spent time with family, picked up blogging. Mostly, I am more grateful for everything I have. Thank you for such a thoughtful post💙
Its important for us to stop and remember everything we have 🤍
Hi Olivia. Thank you for sharing this post. It’s always a pleasure reading about your journey. The pandemic has indeed change me too. The most obvious I think is opening my mind to embracing new ideas and opportunities. It has been a challenging time but without challenges we wouldn’t grow so I am thankful for the growth. It’s really amazing that even in challenging times we can find new ways to move forward. I’m so happy for your blog and small business. I wish you continued motivation on your fitness journey. Have a lovely day today. 😊
Thank you friend. I am so thankful that we crossed paths on both of our blogging journeys. Heres to success and a positive year for us both 🤗
🎉🎉🎉
Totally agree, I dont recognise the person I was over a year ago in a good way! I think it has made us all appreciate a simpler life much more
Neither do I! Isn’t it crazy how we can change so much in one year?!
It’s so good to sit back and really look at all the changes, and appreciate all the positives that have come out of such turmoil. I started my blog, I started therapy, I made new friends who were on the same wavelength as me and didn’t make me feel like I needed to pretend anymore.
I love this. Keep going!
Thank you, I will 🙂
Am Inspired about your post and how you take patience to get more followers I hope one day I become like you
Thank you so much!
This is so beautiful —your journey truly plants a huge smile on my face! You are right when we are too comfortable with everything in life, this is the time to change. I am so happy you found out so many things about yourself during this time.
As they say, we never stop learning about ourselves x
Thank you friend 🥺
It means so much x
This pandemic was a game changer for most of us I believe! For me, it definitely is. Your post is truly motivating the spirits of life and showing how we could turn an obstacles into opportunities! Awesome post to read!
Thanks Biren!
I changed this past year too. I made the time to take care of myself and create healthy habits. I also started blogging during the pandemic and started creating mandala dot paintings.
Great post!
Its sad that it took a pandemic for us to realise we have to look after ourselves, but I am glad it made some permanent changes within us!
I know!