What’s most important to you right now? 

Getting outside. I’m social distancing with my family, and although I’m very grateful that we all live here together, having the personal space is important too. Getting outside and breathing fresh air has been really important for my psyche. 

What was most important to you before you had to social distance? 

I’m launching a business, so that has been in the forefront of my mind. What next trade show am I going to? How am I marketing this? Building a website, who’s going to see it, going out, being social, engaging with people. That’s been the biggest thing for the past 6 months. 

What’s the first thing you’ll do when this is over? 

Hug someone. I’m a very tactile person and I think that’s been the hardest thing. To not be able to give someone a hug or sit close to people. 

What are you doing to pass the time? 

I run, I’m sewing masks, and trying to learn and connect with people about how they’re getting through it. I’m spending more time talking and walking with people at a social distance. I think I see more people and spend more quality time with people now. I appreciate the time that I do have with them because we’re so much more aware. 

What makes you happy right now?

The sun and sunshine. When I wake up and can see the sun I know I’ll be in a good mood and it’ll be a good day. That determines everything. 

What would you tell yourself two months ago with the knowledge you have today? 

I’d probably tell myself to be patient and to know that we’re going to ride the wave, but it’s going to be over. This hasn’t given me as much anxiety as it’s given a lot of my friends. If I were to get this, I don’t know if I would be that afraid. I’ve been trying to not exaggerate it in my mind. I think if I knew this were coming, it would be more of–make sure that you’re taking care of your people and that they’re ok because they’re going to freak out and need someone who’s not going to.

I think the biggest learning experience has been learning how to slow down again and just being able to appreciate slow life. We all live in a very fast-paced society. We want to be seen, be heard, be in. We have fear of missing out all the time, so we always have to be at the latest thing with all the people. I think through all of this, what I’m realizing is that I like the time I spend by myself. I really enjoy being in nature and fresh air. It’s been very therapeutic. Taking the time to really be present with people in conversation or in person has been great. It’s not that we’re hanging out to be seen or checking our phone all the time. It’s just been a good reminder and a wake up call that we are all human and that human connection is important and we need to value that a little bit more.

Devan G-San Leandro

DAY 45