“Laughing. Crying. Doing Life Together.”
Faces of Quarantine, One Virus Many Faces: Renele Awono
Ever since the quarantine began, I’ve had mixed emotions, which has a lot to do with the season of life that I am in right now. For me, it has been a time to reflect on myself physically, spiritually, and emotionally; and better understand those I love. For those that are Enneagram fans, I’m a 6 (Loyalist) wings 9 (Peacemaker), 4 (Individualist) & 3 (Achiever). I am an introvert with extrovert tendencies, and this has a significant effect on my quarantined life. Emotional wellness has been a top priority for me during all of this. I have lost people to the virus and have friends that have as well. I have been allowing this time to help me heal and deal with my heart concerning certain things that have gone unaddressed. Back to my mixed emotions, I am in shock at the spread of this virus and find myself repeatedly saying that I have never experienced anything like this in my life!
This quarantine has been a time of awakening for several reasons:
· The fact that thousands have lost their lives is disturbing.
· I really miss the freedom to come and go as I please.
· Spending days and nights with family in close quarters has been interesting, to say the least.
· Dealing with the intense emotions of JOY, GRIEF, ANGER, etc. surrounding quarantine life and the pandemic has been difficult.
One of my biggest concerns is that I wonder how they will mitigate the virus & should warnings against taking the vaccine to be taken seriously? Another concern is how our lives will be after the pandemic is over? In terms of the nation, I believe we could do much more to save lives, including continuing in quarantine a bit longer. Unfortunately, I am seeing that more and more of our country is so privileged that we are willing to risk people’s lives for a Mani/ Pedi. It is ridiculous. I am shocked by people protesting to re-open for vain reasons.
One of my pleas to other countries would be honesty. I feel that governments are more concerned about “saying “ that they have completely eradicated the virus Lives should have more value than the reputation of those who handled the virus more efficiently.
On the upside, I believe that once this is over, people will be more health-conscious and precautious. Counties may require temperature scanners to be set up as well as other preventions, increasing our level of safety.
I’ve learned it’s that no amount of fame, money, business prowess will keep you safe from this virus. You can’t talk your way around it, pay your way out, or even use your skills to avoid it. All the things that people may have put their trust in up until now may have failed them, which may have left them confused and afraid. For me, my trust is in Jesus Christ, who promises never to leave me or forsake me. During this quarantine, I had to ask myself some tough questions about what was really in my heart, how did I really feel about myself and others, and I also had some difficult conversations with those I love. This season has grown me to be a better mom, wife, friend, daughter- a better me.
A funny quarantine story is one day, I was in Walmart and saw a guy with an actual gas mask on! It was hilarious!!! My family and I all just looked at each other and busted out laughing. I have actually laughed more out loud during this pandemic than I have in a while. I believe it has more to do with being together with my family and celebrating each other’s differences.
My message to the world is not to lose your sense of humanity, and when people are desperate and afraid, they do irrational things. But in the end, we are all humans; we should all remember that.
Renele is a coach, consultant, and catalyst, https://www.reneleawono.com/
