A common theme in conversations about how people are coping with the pandemic seems to be that we’re all discovering new things – and for most of us, that’s hopefully one of the good things coming out of these challenging times.
Maybe you’ve discovered a new hobby that you never had time for? Maybe spending so much time at home has inspired you to redecorate? Maybe you’re finally reading all the books that have been piling up in your to be read pile?
I’ve discovered that I like cooking and baking a lot more than I expected. Prior to the pandemic, it was normal for me to eat out at least two or three times a week. I miss eating out, but now that I’m cooking more, I’m finding that it’s not so much the restaurant food I miss, but the restaurant experience of eating out with friends. (And no, I have not been comfortable starting that up again, not even with outside dining.)
I have always hated to waste food, but I found that I’ve become even more mindful of not tossing anything that could still be turned into a meal or at least part of a meal. This was especially true early in the pandemic, when many items were hard to come by, but it’s carried on and has now become a positive new habit.
I chalk painted two pieces of furniture – not something I’d ever done before, and much to my surprise, it not only turned out great, I had fun doing it!
What did you discover about yourself during the pandemic? Have you started any new activities that you’ll keep doing even when this is over?