Stay at Home; Grow at Home

Stay at Home; Grow at Home

You can spend all day seeing movies. Get good sleep,chill, relax and repeat the cycle for as long as this lockdown continues. 

But if your livelihood depends on your going out everyday to source out your daily bread then I can't imagine how this whole stay-at-home thing is already hurting your finances. 

Everybody is affected in one way or the other by this lock down. For some, the effects are mild, for others severe.

So first off, I want to commiserate with everyone affected by this pandemic. Directly and indirectly. Like all things in life, this too shall pass. We have to support each other and stay united. 

For weeks now, major media platforms have been flooded with gory details of this pandemic. From news about the breakout in China to updates about the spread to the US and the tragedy in Italy, Covid19 has triggered emergency protocol in many parts of the world. Sadly, we are not left out. 

But if the effect of this pandemic on you is a stay-at-home order, please understand: the clock continues to tick regardless of the lockdown. And like all pandemics, this entire thing would be over and life would continue. And you will pick up from where you left off. There would be no compensation for lost time. Whatever you've invested your time in is what you'd have to continue with when things return to normal. 

Sometimes around 2017, a friend of mine was preparing for her final exams as an undergraduate when a strike disrupted the calendar and the exams were put on hold. Although disappointed by the delay, she made a decision that shaped her life. She decided to learn a skill. In the weeks that followed after the strike, she began to learn how to make necklaces, earrings and wristbands. The strike was later called off but not before she had obtained the skills she set out to learn. Today, she's doing well, earning a ton of money making fashion accessories. 

What's my point? it's up to you to decide whether a delay is an opportunity to grow or relax.

So as you stay at home, give some thought to ways you can make the most of this situation. Here's some ideas to consider. 

Discover New Things

We live in a world of multiple opportunities. In fact, there's never been a time in history when there've been so many opportunities. But you can't find these opportunities if you don't seek them out. That little device in your hand that you use in taking selfies and video calling could change your life if you used it for more than just socializing. There are many skills you can learn with just your phone. There are ways to earn money online legitimately. There are ways to use the internet to enhance your career. Why not spend time discovering these things? 

Fun fact: you can use the same data you use for socializing to do all these things. 

Read

Because your mind controls your life, you have to be intentional about it's development. Whatever goes into your mind and gains root can control your life. And one of the best ways to develop your mind is by reading. But not just reading. You have to focus on the kind of content that reflects the kind of life you intend to live. 

But I understand. Not everyone is a bookworm. So if books aren't really your thing, then videos can be a good alternative. Whatever you seek in a book, chances are, someone has created an informative video on the subject on YouTube. So all you need to do is to search YouTube and a list of videos relating to the subject will be presented to you.

Maximize Every Opportunity

Yes, we are in lock down mode. But don't be blind to opportunities. Sometimes, opportunities can emerge in unlikely moments. If these opportunities don't require you to violate the stay-at-home order then you can't afford to pass it up. You are probably thinking "what opportunities can I key into that wouldn't require me to leave the house?" Well, how about a remote job opportunity? Or online jobs? See why I said you should use your phones for more than just chatting? 

Plan Ahead 

This is the third month of the year and you may feel the year is still new. But is it really still new? I mean, we are about to lose a quarter. How much of your 2020 plans have you actualized? it's not late to take stock and see how well you've fared. Take stock. Make amendments. Improve your plan. 

Relax

We've talked a lot about making the most of your time but It is important to rest. It refreshes your brain. You can relax by resting, sleeping, playing games, listening to music, dancing or engaging in similar activities. 

Live Happy

When you are happy, you feel strengthened. You can do a lot of things because the energy is there. There's a lot happening now but you can't afford to be crippled by fear. You choose to be happy and you have the power to decide what bothers you. While you commiserate with those affected in this pandemic don't lose sight of the bright side of life. 

Think of the People Around You

You don't need to look far to see the effects the lock down is already having. People can't open their shops. They can't sell at markets. They can't hawk around. Those that hold jobs can't go to work. It won't take long before they run out of their savings. If you can, please help as many people as you can until things return to normal. 

Stay Safe

Practice all that is required of you at this season. Be obedient to authorities and stay safe. Your life is so precious. Safeguard it. 

Don't Accommodate Fear

When fear comes knocking at your door, tell it to check the next door. You see, fear is a threat, the more you wear it, the more it tears you. You are strong, stronger than you realize. The happenings around you are more than enough to instigate fear but make up your mind to remain strong, now and always.

Writer: Bolaji Seyi

Images: pixabay.com