By Darlene Maes, Staff Reporter
So here we are, physical distancing and staying home has become our current normal. Remember when you were sitting in traffic or waiting in a large line and feeling frustrated? The thought of overcrowded spaces would make you want to scream?!
Maybe you would have agreed with the underappreciated paper salesman of Dunder Mifflin Dwight Schrute, “There’s too many people on this Earth. We need a new plague.”
Well we got it, in a manner of speaking. Do we even remember what our friends look like? The busyness of shopping at a mall? Hell, does any toro remember any small detail of our campus like the butterfly garden? As the days trickle on, even I am starting to forget the struggle to find a parking spot before class. As dramatic as it all may sound, some may actually feel this way.
This can be a result of our government requiring us to stay indoors to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The “Stay-at-Home” order is just that, an order. It means we have to stay home for longer periods of time than we may be used too. Although it may give some a cabin fever effect, being home is now the 24/7 hangout spot to be at, for now. The purpose of the executive order is to help keep ourselves and others safe by not being out in public spaces. Made by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the limitations and assistance for those affected by this can be found on the California Government website, covid19.ca.gov
As we try to adapt to our new “non-existent” routines dealing with unforeseen circumstances of job security and online alternative education may add to the stress. This virus has been viewed as completely negative. I mean granted, stuff has hit the fan faster than ever, but looking at the glass half full this may have come at the right time. Since the order has been placed, noticeable changes can be seen in our neighborhoods and the environment. You can see that more people are actively being outdoors, there is less traffic on the streets and freeways. Also, does anyone else agree that the overlay of smog in LA seems less dense than ever before?
Now the agitated individual yearning to be free to roam movie theaters, restaurants, and other recreational areas may overlook the current pros of having to be home more. However, an essence of life that we have all asked for more of is here, time. Rather than seeing it as a quarantine or lockdown what about utilizing the time given to us to refocus on ourselves? Being able to rest more and be in control of how much attention certain aspects of our daily regimen has on ourselves can be a growing benefit. Becoming familiar with your personal priorities, goals, and interests can serve as a motivator right now.
In addition, without the demand and hustle of being busy your needs and desires can be seen clear as day. So with the “enforced” time we’ve been given, finish reading that book, indulge yourself in a new hobby or binge a new show. The chaos made by the coronavirus puts you in charge. In time, the order will be lifted and children will be able to crowd playgrounds while adults can once again enjoy themselves in bars and concert venues. Maybe then the little moments will be more appreciated than before.
However, following what is called for by our current Government and health officials seems drastic but necessary in order to protect the vulnerable and regain our presence in society in more public spaces. It all seems so confusing to not have a structure to get us through this difficult moment, but lo and behold, we are still here and we will survive this. Just like we all survived the fedora hat trend. So in the words of the beloved furry green celebrity, Oscar the Grouch’s twitter feed, “SCRAM. GO HOME. AND STAY THERE.”
