7 Things I've Been Missing During Isolation
The restrictions currently in place have taken away many things, like family dinners, group hugs with friends, and shopping for new clothes and household items in busy shops.
Below is a list of some other things that have also been put on hold for me, and I just really want them back.
But before I get into it, I just want to say that I’m so grateful for our medical system, front-line and essential service workers, government and public health officials, and the fact that the majority of the population has been following the guidelines set out to flatten the curve. We are all working together to get through this time, and I’m very thankful.
“what we can do is acknowledge what we miss, be grateful for what we have, and look forward to the day when we can do all of the things again.”
Of course, when you’re restricted to minimal and only essential excursions outside of your home, most storefronts are closed to the public, and you can’t hug the people that don’t live in the same household as you, the list of things you’re missing is already quite long. We’re all feeling it. But what we can do is acknowledge what we miss, be grateful for what we have, and look forward to the day when we can do all of the things again. So I’m going to acknowledge some of the things I’m missing.
I miss not having to wash dishes all of the time.
I miss being able to go out for dinner when I don’t feel like washing dishes. But, I’ve started to wash while I cook (for the most part) so this helps alleviate all the back-end cleaning. I still have to wash them all, though.
I miss wandering around London Drugs for no reason other than to brighten my mood.
I don’t know about you, but this is a favourite activity and pastime for me. Since I can’t do that right now, I have made shopping at London Drugs a weekly highlight. I look forward to going there to pick up items that I need (and maybe squeeze in time to quickly hands-free look at nail polish or something.)
I miss casually spending money on things I want (but don’t necessarily need.)
I have several online shopping carts full of clothing, books, beauty products, and home decor items. But that’s it. Lots of daydreaming.
I miss when my upstairs neighbours weren’t at home all day long.
I think I’m coming to terms with this one, but I am always so curious as to what they are even doing up there to create all the noise. I think it’s mostly at-home workouts and daily vacuuming. And brick footwear.
I miss smelling candles at HomeSense.
If you ever go to HomeSense with me and we get separated and you need to find me and I’m not answering my phone because it’s on silent, you’ll likely be most successful checking the candle aisle. And I know I’m not the only one who does this.
I miss going for monthly lunch, dinner, and movie dates with my siblings.*
I usually talk to my siblings often, see each of them in person once a month, and we meet up together as a group for a movie date a few times a year. We had planned a sibling date to see Mulan back in March, but will be waiting until September for the rescheduled release date. Hopefully restrictions are adjusted then so we can watch it together.
*also miss spending time with my Dad!
I miss having smooth, hydrated hands without having to apply hand cream every five minutes.
My hands are so dry and cracked and I don’t really enjoy the feeling of lotions or creams on my hands. Ugh!
(But I acknowledge that I am fortunate to be able to wash my hands often with soap and water and moisturize them with lotions and creams.)
All of that being said, the restrictions currently in place have given me the opportunity to slow down and step back, reassess, tighten my purse, and enjoy a slower paced and a more financially conscious way of living. Something I’ve likely been needing, so I’ll take that silver lining.
Stay happy and healthy and all the things,
Hello! Catherine here.
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!
