Last week I contracted COVID-19.
With the new confirmed cases per day skyrocketing in the Netherlands (here), the question was not whether I will get it, but when I will get it.
With 2 young daughters (1,5 and 2,5) at home, quarantine is far from an ideal situation. Take into account my aversion to sit still whole day and you get a … (well, I guess you get the idea).
When I received the positive test results, I realized I had two options to choose from whilst being stuck at home. I could either stay home and be grumpy. Or reframe my perspective and see “what this situation could bring me”. I chose the latter.
Nothing in life has any meaning other than the meaning that you give it.
I considered myself fortunate to having only mild symptoms, compared to others. It also “pleased” me that I contracted it now rather than in summer with beautiful weather. I realized there would be quite some time to spend with the 4 of us together. Lastly, I thought of the free time I would have once the kids are in bed and what I could be doing then (writing this blog, reading books etc.).
Looking back at my quarantine week, I was happy because of all the reasons above. Plus, I was fortunate enough to not have serious symptoms, only a few minor signs (such as a heavy cold).
So what is my take-away here?
The next time I come across a negative situation, I’ll ask myself “What can I learn from this?” or “What will this bring me?”. By reframing my perspective, I can see the challenge as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle. From there, I can define the desired path forward.
Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels
Last week I contracted COVID-19.
With the new confirmed cases per day skyrocketing in the Netherlands (here), the question was not whether I will get it, but when I will get it.
With 2 young daughters (1,5 and 2,5) at home, quarantine is far from an ideal situation. Take into account my aversion to sit still whole day and you get a … (well, I guess you get the idea).
When I received the positive test results, I realized I had two options to choose from whilst being stuck at home. I could either stay home and be grumpy. Or reframe my perspective and see “what this situation could bring me”. I chose the latter.
Nothing in life has any meaning other than the meaning that you give it.
I considered myself fortunate to having only mild symptoms, compared to others. It also “pleased” me that I contracted it now rather than in summer with beautiful weather. I realized there would be quite some time to spend with the 4 of us together. Lastly, I thought of the free time I would have once the kids are in bed and what I could be doing then (writing this blog, reading books etc.).
Looking back at my quarantine week, I was happy because of all the reasons above. Plus, I was fortunate enough to not have serious symptoms, only a few minor signs (such as a heavy cold).
So what is my take-away here?
The next time I come across a negative situation, I’ll ask myself “What can I learn from this?” or “What will this bring me?”. By reframing my perspective, I can see the challenge as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle. From there, I can define the desired path forward.
Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels
