Victim of being "Positive"

The dreaded ‘Positive’ story from my lens…whether asked or not ??

It is my fourteenth night of self-quarantine as I sat next to my window with a mug of black coffee, relaxing in luxury of “home-isolation”, passer-by stops for a moment, nods to me and goes. I have no idea what happening in my society, so I guess I’ll just assume this is someone’s way of telling me that I should be by ‘myself’. Being an introvert, I was anyways cherishing “me” time though the insane truth about the house is Home Alone. Covid struck me and its restrictions are unlike any other.

Tonight, I thought of penning my experience of home isolation and how I made them wonderful amid crisis. I did my favorite and even not-so favorite things, without any regret at home to spread the positivity around.

The intent is to only show here is that there is so much opportunity for one to enjoy ‘me’ time. We may have heard it number of times, but we forget to practice, to enjoy the little things that bring us happiness and makes us calm. It's not all bad, being home, once you start realizing all the fulfilling things to be done there. And we're in it together!

I tested Covid “positive” on 02 April 2021. I was petrified and kept thinking like most of us - why me? But I didn’t want to be inundated with calls from my family and friends, as it may only have made it worse for them, knowing that they could not help me much. But yes, I grabbed the opportunity to tell this at work, and stayed away from screen and stress for a few days as my daily grind continued from last 16 years.

Even before I found out my test result on the day when I developed mildest symptom, I immediately sent my 9-year-old son to his grandparents’ place (who are vaccinated and safe) to keep him away from this. I was not happy about my decision to stay away from him for days, but I knew that this was most appropriate thing to do that time.

Now comes my challenge.

All by myself. In the room. Isolated. Quarantined. Without any house-help. And with some mild symptoms (thankfully mild).

Once my mind was made, I did not want to leave anything unattended. I wanted to utilize these 14 days to the fullest by doing what all I have been luring all these years, and also had complaints about time not being ample enough. Perhaps, God heard me finally, to give me the pleasure of “time”.

I was quarantined physically, and not mentally. I was sure of this.

Initially I was quarantined in my room. My room is small like a matchbox, like many others in a metropolitan city. I had to spend 14 days here. I thought how do I make to make it more liveable and my happy place for the next few days?

I got my room filled with happy plants. Plants that increase my adrenaline as they grow. Plants that made my room feel so cozy and help me felt belonged. Plants that added to my room décor and helped me to beautify the same space.

Next, I had one book in mind for the last 2 years which I wanted to read. I picked that up and finished in the next 3 days. Day and Night. I loved the feeling of reading it so intensely. Without any disturbance.

Last 2.5 years, I have kept myself busy with lot of work. I haven’t really found out time to catch up on TV and OTT. So, this was next on my list. With many others, I finished Scam 1992 from my long pending list. When I would feel tired, I would just listen to YouTube music shows. I practiced breathing exercises watching them live.

I also ordered some awesome food from outside. Thanks to Swiggy and Zomato, for supporting, while no one else wanted to come close to my door ?? I did not even bother about my calories these 14 days. Yes, I did munch a lot, without any regrets. Because I loved this time.

I also tried my hands on some DIY things, which I failed, but nevertheless, happy that at least I attempted. There are, no doubt, plenty of things around your house that could use some sprucing up. Whether you've been meaning to reorganize the kitchen, paint a door frame, or DIY things, these minor home updates will improve the environment, and thus your mood (plus, they'll keep you busy).

And I did much more than I am actually penning down.

The intent is to only show that there is so much opportunity for one to enjoy the time, rather than just be complaining. We may have heard it number of time, but we forget to practice, when given a chance. And, this is the thought I want to takeaway even after I have resumed work that I need to find a dedicated hour or two slot for myself, to enjoy the little things that bring me happiness and positivity.

My health was impacted, but I did not let it impact my mind. In fact, I strongly think that keeping a positive mind, helped me overcome my quarantine period so seamlessly. While medications helped me physically for Covid, a mentally happy space helped me emotionally / mentally.

My outside was negative, but my inside was positive.

Of course, my heart goes out to all those who have suffered or know someone who has suffered severe Covid or lost a near and dear one. I am fully aware that some under-privileged people who may not have the luxury of “self-isolation” or be able to do things that I was able to. However, my only intention is to create positivity for everyone, and I hope any one suffering from Covid or anything else, can find their own positive experience.

My only hope is if reading this could help any one of you to stay put and calm and spread positivity around. It is much easier to look at negative elements, try not to get tempted. Take good care of your health – physical and mental. Try to look at positive elements around you, do what makes you happy!