COVID allowed me to press the reset button. Start over. Learn new skills. Adapt and innovate. Challenges are usually the root of innovation and problem solving. When I am faced with a challenge, I like to look outside the box. Problem was… when COVID hit, there was no box! We were in the unknown. Everybody was looking for answers. So, what did I do? I registered to a whole bunch of webinars. I organized staff meetings to find solutions as a group. I evaluated and adapted our processes and procedures. Hence, I embraced the challenge, and I ran with it. I figured that there was nothing I could do but accept it, so I did.

As a certified translator and business owner, I was very busy during the pandemic. I had to find ways to be productive and not fall victim to COVID fatigue. My eyes were tired of staring at a screen all day and my body ached from sitting all the time. So, I found solutions that worked for me.

Work Environment

1. I reorganized my office. I wanted to maximize my work environment by decluttering and having easy access to my printers, fax machine (yes, I still use one!), filing cabinets, paper, etc. I even made an effort to remember to burn candles and open windows, once in a while, to change the air in my office.

Resources and Creativity

2. I was resourceful. I took every opportunity to learn new skills, to participate in webinars, to watch how-to videos. I was curious. I used the tools that were available to me. I used YouTube and Google. I took Webinars. But mostly, I was creative. I drew my own path.

Technology

3. I invested in a better Internet connection. If I wanted to stay connected and have opportunities, I needed faster, more reliable Internet.

Mind, Body and Soul

4. I took better care of me. I exercised. I slept well. I ate well (aside from the occasional homemade cinnamon roll). I spent time outside, under my pergola. I organized virtual chat rooms with my friends. I developed new hobbies…actually old hobbies that had been neglected for years. I started drawing and sewing. These hobbies had no connection to a screen. They kept me sane during the pandemic!

The changes that were made in my life during the pandemic were inevitable. I was not taking good care of myself. I was neglecting my body and mind. COVID-19 was an eye-opener for me. It was so drastic and quick that something HAD to change. Routines had to be modified. I am thankful that the pandemic forced me to reset my life. I like my new normal.