Covid-19: Timeline of Our Stories (Pt. 2)

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link to my friend’s e-magazine.)

Hello and welcome back to my Covid-19 series, where I share my experiences and the stories of others since the shelter-in-place rules came into effect. In part one, I shared my story from filing for temporary unemployment to balancing a million responsibilities. I know that everyone’s experiences have been vast, emotional, and life-changing, which is why I wanted to provide a space for others to share. In this post, my friend and fellow blogger, Eric Drury, shares some of his intimate thoughts on the changes this year has brought. This is Covid-19: Timeline of Our Stories (Pt. 2).

Eric’s Outlook

It is hard to believe that it has only been around seven months since the pandemic crept close enough to where I live that everything got shut down. Ground to a halt like nothing I have, or probably will ever see again. I’ve heard it said that 2020 is the longest, and yet shortest year ever, and I completely agree. It is like everything is crawling and racing by simultaneously somehow, even though I know that is impossible. 

In terms of changes in my life during the past seven months the biggest adjustment and subsequent gift, has been the amount of time I get to spend with my wife. Before, we both did a fair amount of traveling. I was dropping her off at departures about once a week, and I would have some trip myself around once a month.  No other time in our married life have we gone this long without some kind of outing planned. It felt very odd in the beginning of the quarantine, but now I think of it as an invaluable opportunity to see my beautiful best buddy so much and so often. 

Another massive change for me is that early this spring my wife and I started our website The Thoughtful Beggar.com. It is almost incomprehensible to me that we have only been around six months, because I already can not imagine my life without it. Between how wonderful it feels to share our writing and artwork, and having met so many great people and writers, the experience has been truly life changing. It has also shown me what a powerful positive force the internet can be in the future. Before I would have told you that social media and Twitter or Instagram is just a waste of time for the self-obsessed, and there is plenty of that don’t get me wrong, but there are remarkable people as well, making some seriously soul stirring art too. Meeting people from all over the world and sharing our stories and hopes and fears was not what I expected from venturing out into the scary world wide web, but that is exactly what is happening, and it is more fun and rewarding than I could have ever imagined.  

My thoughts on blogging and podcasts have completely changed as well since starting a website. Now I think of it as something that everyone would benefit from trying at some point, in whatever way and to whatever degree they feel comfortable with. Why not share a hobby, talent or interest with the world? We live in such a wonderful time where we can find future friends all over the globe that we can share our feelings and thoughts with. For the love of all that is pure and holy, why not take advantage of that? The internet can be an amazing conduit for very loving and powerful human connections to be made, and I have seen first hand the real and positive impact that it can have in people’s lives. The digital world is merely a reflection of humanity as a whole, and just like with people, we are the ones that have the biggest impact on our experience based on our choices. If something or someone bothers you, then don’t engage in it or contribute to them at all and simply move on. 

For me it has come as quite a surprise that the greater online community is not a thing to be feared, but something to be embraced. The internet can be far more than just a waste land of pornography and narcissists. Instead it can be full of amazingly cool content, sharing, and new friends!

Reflecting on Eric’s Perspective

Reading the optimistic highlights of Eric’s year reminded me of the beauty of starting something new. And I think in a way this year has provided a lot of time for reflection and soul searching. Whether that be through picking up new hobbies or finding little ways to bring some source of joy, I think that a lot of people can relate to that.

I felt very moved when Eric mentioned spending more time with his wife, mainly because this year has reminded me time and time again how easy it is to take people for granted. When you get used to family members, friends, or a partner, it can be easy to forget the importance they hold in your life. So if I’ve learned anything from this year, it’s to appreciate the loved ones we have near to take care of them best we can.

Concluding Note

A special thank you to my pal and awesome collaborator, Eric! I appreciate you taking the time to open up and express your experiences from this strange year. Show him so love by clicking on the splash of paint art icon to check out his wonderful blog:

Lastly, here’s a quick shoutout to my friend, Enn’s, Thoughts Blogazine. In this edition, she discusses topics ranging from running a blog to quick meals to make. If you’re interested, please check it out! Any purchases made through the link, I may make a small commission!

Thank you friends and stay safe! Check out part 3 of the Covid-19: Timeline of Our Stories available now.

Good luck with your journey,

Harumi