Time: It’s something we have always yearned for. Prior to quarantining, every day I’d hear people say, “I want to do this but I just don’t have the time for it.” Now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and everyone confined to their houses, time is all we have. Provided that you are not sick and are quarantining safely, we really do have the time to do the things we have always wanted to do, all in the comfort of our homes. So what better time than now to try something new? 

The Rubik’s Cube has always intrigued me, but I always felt like it would take too much time to learn. Now with all this time, solving the cube was the first thing I did during my quarantine. I watched a 20-minute video, pausing as many times as I needed, and got it on my first try. I was so impressed with myself and couldn’t believe that with a little bit of time and effort, I could do this. 

I noticed on social media platforms that many people are complaining of being bored or sick of quarantine. They may not be taking advantage of this time to better themselves. If we are distancing ourselves from others, if we are safe, then this time we are getting is a gift. To be able to get ahead on work, to catch up on sleep or to learn new skills — we now have hours that stretch ahead of us to do this. I admit that I am a victim of some sloth-like behavior too. After all, this pandemic has been a bit of a shock and perhaps we are grieving. But we really need to take advantage of this gift of time. 

Writer and spiritual teacher Emma Zeck said, “What if we became curious with this free time and had no agenda other than to experience being? What if you created art for the sake of creating, what if you allowed yourself to rest and cry and laugh and play and get curious about whatever arises in you, what if our true purpose is in this space?” We do not need to spend our time in quarantine just for the purpose of filling time, but really to learn about ourselves and be productive. 

A quote that I like to live by is, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Your past can’t stop you. You just have to make the most of today and make it meaningful. Personally, I don’t want to come out of quarantine saying that I wish I did more. I want to feel satisfied and accomplished that I had a few extra hours during the day to pursue a passion or do something I felt passionate about.