Although quarantine has taken away many enjoyable aspects of my life, it has not taken away my ability to enjoy life. Although many see this pandemic in a negative light, I like to be optimistic. I feel that this quarantine and pandemic is somewhat of a blessing for all of us. We get to spend more time with our families, are less busy, and are given the opportunity to look back as there is much time for reflection and prayer now.

I have always been close with my brothers, but this quarantine has given me the chance to develop my relationship with my parents as well. My older brother also came home from college and I am very happy that he is back. I feel like my family is finally whole again. We sit down every night and eat dinner together. We talk, we joke, and we laugh. When I am eating dinner with my family I am reminded of much simpler times. We also have started doing activities together, like hiking, fishing, and running. Although I miss my friends from school, I am glad that I get to spend quarantine with my family.

One thing I am extremely thankful for is that I am not busy anymore. I love school and regular life, but sometimes it’s just too much. I felt like I was being stretched thin due to school, clubs, sports, volunteering, family, and friends. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy everything that I do, but sometimes everything can just be so overwhelming. Honestly, before the quarantine, I felt like I was drowning. I had so many obligations to fulfill and places to be. I felt like I was going a million miles a second. Every second spent not doing anything was a second wasted. Quarantine has given me time to do nothing. It slowed down my chaotic life, and honestly I am thankful for that. I needed a break, and although this is not exactly what I had in mind, I am still thankful for it.

I think one of the most important things the quarantine has given all of us is time to reflect and pray. Over the break, I have been given the opportunity to look back on my life. This self reflection is helping me to become a better person as I have been looking back on my past. We have all been blessed with this opportunity to reflect and learn from our pasts. I have also spent a lot more time praying. Quarantine has given me a lot of time to connect with God more. Whether it’s reading the Bible passage of the day, praying the rosary, or simply just praying to God, this is the most time I have ever had to work on my faith and relationship with the Lord.

I think that even though this situation is dire, people need to realize the blessings they have been given. This pandemic has given us all the opportunity to connect with our families, relax, reflect on our lives, and improve our relationship with God. Although I miss a lot of aspects of life before the pandemic, it is very important for me to remember how blessed I truly am.