What Quarantine Taught Me

2020 has brought on quite a roller coaster of experiences. I almost felt like when the news broke about the Murder Hornets, people weren't even phased by it. Even though we aren't out of the woods yet, I feel like we are gradually getting there, one step at a time. Like most people, this has been quite a journey for me as well. And now that I'm back at the clinic, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on what the past three months have been like to experience.

On March 16th, the CMTO released a statement that notified us that we weren't considered essential and we were forced to temporarily close. I had just got to the clinic to start my shift so I notified my clients for the day and went home, frustrated. I figured this would be over in a few weeks time (but I couldn't have been more wrong) and that we would be back soon. So everyday I'd wake up and check for updates, and nothing. The clinic decided as team that we would take it week-by-week. I would notify clients that had been booked that their appointments would have to be postponed until further notice.

As this went on, I became more and more worried. I wasn't able to take care of my clients and money became very tight. Then CERB was announced and released. Once I got on track with that and I was able to keep my bills under control I was able to relax. Then it dawned on me. The past few years have been quite intense for me and now that it's settled I never really took the time to breathe and enjoy the moment because I was too caught up in what had to be done next. After I made this realization I was actually able to enjoy having some time off.

It was nice getting up late knowing that I didn't have to rush to be some where at a certain time, or have things to do since everything was closed. After I completed my work contract at Algonquin, I started redesigning this new blog space (something that I have been wanting to do for a while now I just ever had the time to sit and focus). I worked out everyday that I could, caught up on a bunch of shows (eventually I caved and watched Tiger King - she totally did it), and met some pretty incredible people who have helped me become someone that I'm more proud of each day.

At the beginning of June, the Ministry of Health notified us that it was considered safe for us to return to work. This was followed by an official statement from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario which outlined new protocols that needed to be followed. It seemed like a lot to take in which made me feel anxious that I would forget a step. But we had multiple Zoom meetings to review all the changes which made me feel confident in returning to practice. My first day back was amazing! I didn't realize how much I missed treating until I got back into my routine - I felt like my day had a purpose again. I slipped into the new routine pretty easily and have been moving forward ever since.

Overall, this experience taught me the value of taking time for yourself. It allowed me to recuperate and rediscover the love that I have for this profession. Moving forward, I feel like taking more breaks (or even a trip!!) will be helpful for me. Now that I'm back in the flow, I will have more time to dedicate to this blog. My goal is to keep posting once a month but I might change the date (from the first Friday of the month to something different). So if there is something you'd like to learn about, please let me know! I'm always on the hunt for new material to write about! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe! If you or someone you know has been affected by this pandemic, I hope they receive the help they need. Again, please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns! Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I hope you have a great day!