On March 13, when Mr. Bitting announced to the school that NACS would not be returning to school the following Monday as precautionary measures against the rapidly evolving COVID-19, students cheered. My best friend and I quite literally jumped for joy, smiles spread like wildfire through the halls, and students rushed out of the building come 3:30 p.m. for the month-long break of a lifetime. 

But now we find ourselves scrolling aimlessly through TikTok, arguing with our siblings, battling poor internet connection on our Google Meets, and threatening our parents with our inevitable escape to the world beyond. 

The high of a month-long break is wearing off and the reality of quarantine as our “new normal” is setting in.  

But even here in this darkness of isolation, fear, and uncertainty, we must continue to search for the bright places. We must continue with joy, routine, and human connection, even if it is behind a pixelated screen. 

Now is not the time to dwell over our current circumstances: we are powerless against them. Now is the time to make the best of the sloppy hand we’ve all been dealt. As you stay in these next couple of weeks, considering adapting these other “stay” measures as well to blind the doom and gloom of this season with unbridled light. 

Stay Connected

Six feet apart. No gatherings over 10 people. Restaurants closed. Youth groups canceled. 

The whole point of isolation is to avoid human contact and yet humans are meant to be together. Luckily enough for us, we live in an era of modern technology. Unlike the pandemics that came before, 2020 provides us with the abundant blessings of texting, Snapchat, and FaceTime to fill our cup of human interaction without ever having to cross that six-foot barrier. 

Connect with your friends. Reach out to them and ask how they’re doing. Let them know how you’re doing. Talk about the virus, sure, but talk about other things, too. It’s the most mundane of interactions–even behind that loading screen–that can make all the difference. 

Stay Productive

I’m one of those people that has to have a “mission” or a job at all times. If it’s not homework it’s reorganizing my room. If it’s not reorganization it’s writing. I’m never not consumed by a project. 

Make good use of your time as the world’s clock stops these next couple of weeks. 

Write out a list of all the things you want to get done. Maybe you need to go through your closet and get rid of unwanted clothes. Maybe you want to get that run in daily. Maybe now is the perfect opportunity to tackle that DIY project you found on Pinterest. 

Whatever it is, do it. Now is the time to be productive as these days stand still. 

Stay Entertained

Work hard, play hard. 

As you cross those tasks off your Coronacation to-do list, don’t forget to enjoy your days off. While being stuck in the walls of your house with no end in sight is less than ideal, make your own sunshine. Find the fun even here in the mundane. 

My family’s bucket-list of quarantine fun looks something like, but feel free to make adjustments as needed: 

1. Nerf gun wars
2. Baking challenges
3. Mud fights in the rain
4. House renovations
5. Formal dinner nights

Stay Faithful 

While everyone–myself in included–keeps saying “what a crazy time to be alive” we fail to throw in “what a dark time to be alive.” 

The grocery stores are wiped clean. Classrooms are empty. Restaurants are closed. 

The numbers are rising. People are dying. Cities are resorting to lockdowns. 

The economy is crashing. Small businesses are suffering. Our parents are losing their jobs. 

It feels as though this virus has infected every aspect of life. Now more than ever is the time to stand firm in your faith. 

Faith comes in many different forms, and I don’t know what that looks like for you. Maybe it’s faith in the healthcare workers or faith in our leaders. Maybe it’s faith in a higher being or faith in a spiritual relationship. Regardless of what form it comes to you in, cling to that faith and don’t let it go. 

The news will keep sending goosebumps down your back. The economy will keep crashing. The numbers will keep rising. The virus will keep infecting. 

But that faith will not fail you.