As I sit in my car, outside a clinic in Pasadena waiting for my cousin to get his COVID testing, I begin to reminisce on the past 9 months. COVID came to us without warning, or did it? And then it dawned on me, how little I washed my hands, how a mask was not required when someone had a cold, and how unaware I was of my surroundings.

COVID came to remind us of being a collective society. To be a true neighbor and fellow human being, you have to think of others by protecting yourself. Isn’t that a beautiful idea? Yet, for many disgruntled citizens, wearing a mask was against their rights. It’s only about perspective and realizing the idea of paying it forward.

My cousin finishes his COVID test in less than 10 minutes and comes back to the car. Of course, we wear masks when we are around each other while the results come back. Masks do not bother me, being more alone than usual does not bother me, not going out drinking does not bother me. What does bother me is the attitude of people who are extremely selfish and make a fuzz about being at home, I am also bothered by the person at the grocery store that has a hard time grasping the concept of personal space (with or without COVID, I should add).

I am saddened by the families directly and indirectly affected by the virus.

The laid off workers that will be unable to provide for their families today and the months to come.

I am deeply affected by the lost lives from the virus and the mental impact that the pandemic has had in people with mental illness. True mental illness, not drug use.

This “thing” that came to us at the beginning of 2020 has not shown its true potential. But for whoever needs it out there, you’re doing the best you can. Please take care of yourself, your family, don’t mind the big noise out there of people criticizing the way you decide to ride this wave.

Thing to consider if you feel completely bored out of your mind:

Disconnect from social media

Sign up for a new class online or enroll in online classes at your local community college

Support local businesses such as your favorite on instagram:

Cookie master: @soencookiegram

Floral master: @brubaker_floral_co

Photographer ninja master: @l.a.momma

If you are in Los Angeles County, you can always reach out to DMH ACCESS line 24/7 1-800-854-7771 (option/extension ‘1’)

Before I finish my little word of the day, I leave you with a little Pablo Neruda for thought….

by Pablo Neruda
(English translation by Alastair Reid)

Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.