by Claire Daiynes V. Pama, News Editor
Photo by: Kyla Marie Barilea
Doors have been forced shut, the outside suddenly becomes an unfamiliar terrain, and no one really knows what to do. Everyone is desperately trying to adapt their old routine to a new set-up and to pretend like it is not out of the ordinary, but it isn’t. Without a second thought, we cling on to find ways to reconnect with society to escape the bleak reality projected on the bare walls of our room, while forgetting about that individual who has been yearning for our attention for so long—ourselves.
Life once felt like we were running a never-ending marathon, racing on to a finish line we may never get to see anytime soon, and taking a short break would seem like we lose so much time. At some point in our lives, we have started letting go of things that we once loved doing—hobbies that were supposed to make us feel alive. We only remember to pick up those old brushes, instruments, and our favorite books when we decided that scrolling ceaselessly through our gadgets when it becomes overwhelming. But then, the pandemic came about, and we realized that our normal routine outside work only involves spending time on our social network, binge-watching Netflix shows, and just waiting for something special to happen.
The unhealthy habits that we have developed over time have shown, and there is finally a chance to recognize that it is a difficult matter to break. Sometimes without warning, our minds would begin to wonder, “When did we start to lose ourselves?” and a deep existential dread in the middle of quarantine would ensure nevertheless, should be countered by a strong determination to go back, and reconnect with our roots or even start anew.
Every second of your screen time should be modified into a worthwhile pursuit that your future self will thank you for. Little by little you must try to pick yourself up from the comforts of your bed. Pens ought to be taken from that special box of art materials you have always had. Non-academic related books could be purchased, or you can reread those that were gathering dust-up from the shelves. Slowly fill those empty sheets of paper with words that were waiting to be released out of your system. Time can be filled with new insight as you explore topics that you never knew you would even begin to understand. A monochromatic pattern will be filled with vibrant hues, and you will no longer be running away from time—you will be staying in it.
The four walls that held you close for months can be turned into a place of solace. Try searching from within, finding things to improve on, or opening that hidden box of ideas you have set aside before. Set yourself on a reset and rewire your brain to be better, to do better. You are free to do whatever your heart tells you because the world is not watching anymore—or maybe it never did.
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