It has been a while since I have posted, and there have been a multitude of reasons: a new job, personal setbacks and progress, dealing with a quarter-life crisis, and quite frankly, I lost motivation to continue my blog. I felt there were not too many new and exciting things to write about, and this blog was so attached to a past memory that made it difficult to write again. However, with the new and normal way we all are (or should be) living, I felt the need to express some thoughts.

I officially started working from home on March 11th (and also gave my two weeks notice while WFH, but that’s neither here nor there). Obviously, most of us did not know the severity of this pandemic when it all began, but I knew it was something I should prepare for and decided to begin social distancing as soon as I started staying at home. However, unfortunately, I saw many people taking this as a joke, even those I considered to be my friends. The first weekend of social distancing, my Instagram stories were full of people out and about, going to bars and apartment gatherings as a last hoorah (as though missing a few weekends of vibes would be detrimental for their social media profiles). That is when I began to realize how selfless I was and how selfish many others were.

I have become even more unapologetic during these trying times, but it is for a reason. Some may, and probably do think, I am being dramatic when it comes to my very blunt Instagram stories and tweets about how people are not helping to combat this pandemic. However, put yourself in my shoes. To the average person, even individuals I surround myself with, I look like a completely healthy 25-year-old, but because it is not stamped on my forehead, I have had diabetes since the age of 6, and you would never know unless I told you or you read my blog or you have seen me with my meter (no, it is not a beeper…this is 2020). High risk. My mother works at a local airport. High risk, especially when people are still taking trips “just for fun.” It is an uneasy feeling knowing you might put yourself even more at risk because of the carelessness of others.

You may have the privilege of escaping to another area or quarantining with others, whether it is a family member, a friend, or a significant other. On the other hand, there are others, like myself, who do not have that luxury. I read the following on Twitter: “Coronavirus is the ‘great equalizer’ the same way that climate change is the ‘great equalizer,’ which is to say: not at all. Communities of color, lower income households and vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of covid 19.” We live in areas with absolutely no space. We lack fair access to the healthcare we deserve. We are unable to be with family members during this time out of fear of putting them at risk or because they already have pre-existing medical conditions. What I would give to be able to hug my parents and brother when they drop things off on Sundays, but the reality is we can only look forward to the next time we can do a group hug. Make it easier for the rest of us, and listen to the advice being given by those who know what they are talking about.

Moral of the story: just stay inside. Unless you are going outside to pick up essentials like groceries or medication, there is no need. We, especially those around my age, need to stop being so selfish. Take this time to become comfortable with being alone. Make sure to skip an in-person Easter dinner and celebrate over Zoom or Facetime or Whatsapp. The person you have been talking to or seeing will be there when this is all done. You do not need to bring them over or go see them in person. However, if they do not text you or come up with good ideas to stay in touch during this, kick them to the curb.