Introvert....Quarantined

As the world is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are facing quarantine or 'Safer-at-Home' orders from our government. When I first heard of this "stay at home, don't go out"....honestly, my introverted side was sighing.....aaahhhhhhh. Now the world may finally understand what it feels like to be introverted.

Being told to stay home is not a punishment for me. I am trying to look at the most positive aspects of this quarantine while our communities adjust. Being at home is my sanctuary, the place where I receive my well-deserved 'recharge time'. Despite being an introvert and loving my personal space, I find myself having a difficult time with the adjustment to the new quarantine measures. Here are the ways that I am dealing with this new, mandated way of life:

1. Finding new groups on Facebook - everyone seems to be reaching out for connection, but for an introvert on social media, this is the best way to get interaction with like-minded people. I am spending times searching for new groups that spark my interest. Book groups, outdoor groups, photography groups. Now is a time when I need to keep my creative juices flowing.

2. Reading - guilty as charged......I am known for buying books on Amazon,

having every intention of reading them...but they just get stacked in a basket in my living room. They stare at me every day, taunting me with all the new adventures and knowledge they hold. Now is the time! I am making a commitment to a book, read a portion each day, and happily get through my collection.

3. Creativity - how many Pinterest boards do I have? 72 to be exact. I am a habitual 'pinner' and 'board creator'. Time to put these ideas to action. Cricut, painting, sewing, drawing....watch out!

4. Get outside - after my Dad got ill and passed away in December of 2018, my desire to keep active slowly faded. With my three dogs, it is time to get back in the swing-of-things. With nowhere to go, it is time to get my legs moving and back on track.

5. Reconnecting with old friends - as the days drew closer to the quarantine, I made it a point to reach out to family and friends. I sent a friendly text telling them I was thinking of them. I used to do this as a normal practice every couple of months. Now, I am reminded that it is a good thing to stay connected.