** My wish for this blog is to be honest and as transparent as possible with my readers. Know that I am just like you, and everyone struggles with anxiety and depression at times.

This is as raw and real as it gets.

In this blog, I share my story about the past eight months of living through a global pandemic on the other side of the world.

Spoiler alert – it wasn’t easy.

– Rose

What a year 2020 has been.

To think that there are only a couple more months left of this year is crazy.

I think many people can agree that this year has just flown by and has been, without a doubt, different than any other year we have ever experienced.

The pandemic has affected everyone differently, whether that be mentally, physically, or emotionally.

For me, I can personally say that it has been the most challenging eight months mentally that I have ever gone through.

Being a Canadian citizen living in Melbourne, Australia, during both the first and second wave has been stressful, to say the least.

For me, it wasn’t necessarily not being able to travel, but it was being in a different country by myself, with no family and a couple of friends. I have been scared and stressed, and cried to the point where all I want is to talk to someone back home, but I can’t even do that because of the time difference.

The past couple of months have been filled with different emotions, with the second wave hitting really different.

Seeing my friends back home together, enjoying their summer was devastating.

Words cannot describe how much I miss my family and friends, and being locked up, not even being able to go farther than 5km from my house with a curfew for months, was not easy.

The FOMO hit REAL hard during July and August.

My mental health took a hit. A big hit. I have literally never felt more alone in my life.

The thing is, though, as hard as it’s been, this year has been one of the most elevating years in my life – mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially speaking.

Being so alone has allowed me to really dig deep and take this time to learn even more about myself.

It has been a true test of everything I have learned over the years dealing with my anxiety and depression.

Once I started to look at this situation differently and realize that I will never have this much time again to work on myself and my goals – I did a full 360.

It made me wake my ass up. It made me straighten out my crown and continue up that mountain.

This year FINALLY made me work on those goals that have been at the back of my mind for months and even years.

I don’t look back over the past year wishing none of it happened.

Because it may have not been the year that I wanted, but it was the year that I needed.

To just stop.

To look at my life, goals, dreams, and what is going on right here and right now.

What I want to do, my finances.

My health, my workout routine.

Life is so short and so unpredictable, and I think because I’m older now and honestly have gone through a situation like this, it has really opened up my eyes that anything can happen.

It made me look at life differently and want to seize every moment.

To take advantage of everything life has to offer and live my life to its full potential.

For anyone going through something similar, these are things that have genuinely helped me get through the pandemic –

Connecting With Family And Friends As Often As You Can 

This has been hard for me because of the time change, and there only a specific time window to call people.

If I’m honest, I use to HATE facetime, but when you are away from your family and friends for so long, seeing their faces and not just hearing their voices can make you feel a lot better.

Yah, it may be awkward, and you won’t look that flattering, but facetime your family. Schedule days or times to talk to them and ensure you follow up with it too. ️

People get busy, and that’s life, but making sure you dedicate time to connect with loved ones is key.

Getting Out Of Your House

During the first couple of months in lockdown, I took the whole Netflix and pizza and lying in bed route.

I wasn’t getting outside, and I had to force myself to get out of bed. Walks have saved my life. And I say that with the utmost truth.

Also, it’s something I now look forward to, and it puts me in such a good mindset for the day. There’s something about moving your body that has such a great effect on your mind.

Even if you go to a park near your house, sit there with a book, or listen to a podcast.

Thus, just getting out of the environment you are in constantly is so essential.

Recommended Blog:
Four Daily Habits To Make You Happier

Prioritize Self Care 

Due to my Netflix and pizza phase, I was looking a little rough there for a while. Working in the same clothes, I would wear to bed, messy hair always, and just not caring about how I look.

When you wake up, get in the routine as if you were going into the office.‍

Change into a new pair of fresh clothes. Wash your face, brush your hair, and even put on a little bit of makeup.

I’m not saying you get dolled up like you’re going out, but a little mascara goes a long way and really does make you feel better about yourself. Doing this has put me in the mindset that my day has started, and I am ready to work on myself and my goals.

Stop Complaining. Live In The Moment.

How many of us have woken up and looked at the news and dreaded another week or month of the pandemic?

Instead of complaining almost every day and counting down the days until freedom, I have just accepted life how it is and take it day by day.

It is so out of our control, other than practising social distancing and what we can, of course. I’m talking about restrictions and when things will open and when we can do this and do that. Most importantly, worry about the day ahead of you and be grateful you are alive.

What are things you can do today that will help you with your future goals?

What are your main priorities today?

Stop thinking about the future or living in the past – and live for today.

Recommended Blog:
Why Is Everyone In Such A Hurry To Rush Through Life

I hope everyone stays healthy and safe, and know that I am always here to talk. It’s been a crazy year, but we’ll get through it together.

If you enjoyed this blog, check out my other personal blogs – 

What I learned My First Three Months Travelling Alone

What Does Happiness Mean To You?

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.”
— A.A. Milne

Thanks for reading – Living Through A Global Pandemic: My Story

Rose x