Happy Scents

I had roller coaster of emotions since the outbreak of Covid-19 last month. I was scared, sad, overwhelm and anxious because I have a sister, relatives, and friends in healthcare field in different countries. It didn’t help that there were increasing confirmed cases of Covid-19 in my workplace (Amazon warehouse). What are the management course of action to protect us? The policy changes everyday bringing up safe or unsafe working environment and fear of uncertainty. I was in panic mode too conflicted between my essential oil infused products or regular household cleaning supplies because of the news, hoarding and CDC requirements. I still chose Thieves cleaning supplies with no head tension and no suffocation.

The new normal was stressful as well wearing mask everywhere, social distancing, stripping down in the garage (from work) straight to shower, disinfecting (yourself and everything you bring home e.g. groceries, shoes, bags and etc), practicing self isolation from loved ones and extended community quarantine. All emotions were valid because Covid-19 was widespread, pandemic and fatal. However, it brought a lot of lessons as well.

10 Things I learned from Coronavirus

1. Ecumenism because everyone is praying in their own religion and denomination for one another. Prayers unite people of every nation and race.
2. Church is not a building because church are the members. Believers/Christians can find every means to worship and pray for one another virtually through zoom or FB Live due to shelter in place.
3. We tend to always be caught up with something to do such as work, household/ school chores, events, partying and socializing that we forget the core that makes us who we are (our family). Spending quality time with people you love the most matter this time. Life is precious.
4. Phone calls, texts and messages in social media to check in with your family, friends and relatives. They are free but the most loving way to show you care.
5. The essential workers such as first responders, healthcare workers, warehouse workers, sanitation workers, postal workers, grocery workers, truck drivers and more are the engine and heroes of the community. It is with gratitude that they show up to work every single day despite the risks.
6. It is not too late to learn a new skill by signing up for financial education class through one-on-one and webinars (zoom). Hunger for learning and discovering new hobbies never ends.
7. Pandemic brings out the best and worst in every people. Some people will organize funding, donate and help provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontliners. Other people are plain greedy by hoarding and price gouging. I strongly oppose people throwing racial slurs and assaulting Asians since the outbreak started because former president, Trump, associated covid with Asians calling the virus Kung Flu. Speak up and report to AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) if you are a victim of hate. Let your voice be heard.
8. Entertainers and philanthropists raise their voices to provide hope, fight for advocacies and raise funds for frontliners and people affected worldwide by setting up community pantries.
9. The state can help by ensuring there is no eviction by loan/mortgage deferment and help small business entities during this time. Know your rights.
10. There is increase in domestic violence and child abuse due to quarantine. Be mindful that there is different family dynamics and isolation/quarantine can test family unit. We need to be mandatory reporters of abuse in all forms.

Bonus: My greatest blessing and learnings are gratitude every morning I wake up with the family of my own and be thankful for the gift of life and health. The moments we need to be present and cherish because a lot of people lose their loved ones from Covid and debilitating diseases.

Update: It has been a year through pandemic. Vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson has been widely distributed here in USA. In the Philippines, vaccines such as Astrazeneca and Sinovac are used for Filipino people (kababayan).

I haven’t had a chance to take the vaccine but I have no choice because they will require it at work once I come back from maternity leave. I have nothing against those who advocate and take the vaccine but for personal preference I don’t want to put a vaccine that hasn’t been thoroughly tested for years into my body. This is my body and I get to decide what goes into it, however; I know I have to take it one way or another. I just have to prepare my body for a possible side effects.

Update: 2 years since the outbreak, I have had Covid-19. It was tough more than a week because every member of my family had a positive result. It was highly contagious and somehow still feel guilty of bringing it to my family. We had all the symptoms and my one year old has on and off fever as well. Just when I thought Covid is over, it will punch you right in your face. We were all vaccinated and boosted except my little girl. It started with a sore throat then the rest of symptoms follows. We self-isolate and took a leave without pay (new job policy). God is still great because we beat covid! God sends family and relatives to check up on us and bring us food in front of the house. I’m back to wearing KN95 at work, and stop being complacent because covid is still here.

We have to stay strong physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Hoping this pandemic ends soon and lives be saved from this deadly disease. Giving sympathy and empathy for those lives taken away and families left behind.

Always eat healthy, take supplements, workout, sleep and pray. The best ways to combat any kind of diseases and even Coronavirus.