Two years ago when the government announced a total lockdown for the country for two months, mixed emotions took over. We thought that after two months, everything will go back to normal. Two months is a welcome break. We are one with the world in trying to minimize the effects of the pandemic, and the eventual hiatus of most factories and modes of transportation is a breather for nature as well. #TheWorldIsHealing, as the trend went. 

After two months, there were several extensions. Then came different quarantine classifications and confusing alert levels. What we thought will only last for just two months became two years. And until now we are still unsure when this pandemic will end. For now, the pandemic statistics are just taking a break, but as soon as the election ends, the toll is expected to resurface. 

We're already used to wearing our face masks, distancing ourselves from people, and washing our hands with water or alcohol (or are we?). For we are aware that the virus is still around and still poses a threat (or do we?). But aside from these things, what else have we learned in two years of living in the New Normal? 

We learned to stay hopeful

We are not sure when will this end but still, we are positive that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. This ordeal we're going through teaches us to cling to hope that the vaccine will do its job in keeping us safe, that our scientists are doing their best to put the welfare of the people first, and the world governments, despite their flaws and sometimes inefficiencies, still strive to serve their constituents at best. What kept me through the pandemic season is my hope that this too shall pass. And I'm glad somehow, things are getting better each day. If other countries are not COVID-Free, the Philippines too will soon be COVID-Free! I can't wait to walk around without any mask on!

We learned to stay healthy

We learned the value of good health and a strong immune system. I know some people who were picky eaters pre-pandemic but became conscious of their diet because of COVID. This pandemic teaches us to prioritize our health. We realized that even in the pink of health, we cannot be too lax or too confident. We are living on a borrowed time and if we don't take care of ourselves, this time will even get shortened. So for the personal benefit and for the sake of the people we love, we strive to be healthy. We shifted from YOLO (You Only Live Once) to YAGO (You Also Grow Old). 

We learned to stay thankful

Another virtue we learned due to the pandemic is gratitude. We realized that every day we wake up is a blessing. Some people wanted to, but because of pre-existing sickness or because of the COVID virus itself, they weren't able to see another day. These past two years we've witnessed our Facebook friends changing their profile pictures to black showing their mourning due to loved ones passing away. It was a dark season coupled with people getting hungry because they lost their jobs or providers. We went through a difficult time. We learned to appreciate whatever we have on the table, be it meager or much. We learned to value the presence of our loved ones. We learned to be thankful every day. We learned to appreciate the things we used to ignore pre-pandemic. 

This pandemic is an unwelcome guest. It forced its way through our doors. It changed us. But we are resilient. We will stay strong. We will endure. And no matter what happens, we will grow.