“The Only Time We Have Is Now.” Writer, Author Coach, and Self-Publishing Expert, A.G. Billig

Faces of Quarantine, One Virus Many Faces

I’m actually excited for this time we got to connect with ourselves and what’s really important in life, for this opportunity to come together as one and remember that we are innately good and kind. The number of examples is overwhelming from your next-door neighbor who is sewing masks on her grandma’s old machine to the directors of museums, theaters, and opera houses that gave free access to the public to virtual tours and online shows. Many people look at technology as a “necessary” evil that invades their privacy, but the past few months showed us that the way we use technology determines its impact on our lives. We stayed close to our dear homes, continued to exercise, had the necessary goods delivered to our house, and remained mentally sane because of technology. I’m also happy to wake up to the singing of birds, lively and diverse as never before, and look at the blue sky now free of chemtrail bruises.

The virus has taught me that the only time is now.
We spend so much time planning our future or regretting our past that we forget about the present moment. We also postpone things we want to do for a better time. There is no better time than now.

My biggest concern is that our thoughts are potent. The more we dwell on a thought, the more powerful it gets, and so does the probability of it becoming a reality in our lives. Our human experience would flow with less effort if we focused more on what we want than on our problems. Therefore, I don’t have any concerns right now. I just envision a flourishing planet with healthy people who are free to travel & gather and who love and support each other despite being different.

My daily life hasn’t changed much. I was working from home before as a writer, author coach, and self-publishing expert, and carved out regular time for my spiritual practice, spending time in nature, and exercising. I kept my good habits and started exercising at home after the gyms closed. But I learned how to be more still, go deep within me, and reconnect with my life purpose. One thing I’ve learned during my life journey so far, which I also share in my books is that everybody is doing the best they can at every given moment. Also, let’s not forget that fear (fed by the alarming reports of the mainstream media) makes people do crazy things. We need to save our lives before jumping in to save others, and the way to do it is to tap into love, our magic power.

Our human history abounds in atrocious deeds, which bring tears to our eyes and make us clench our fists in anger. Fortunately, the number of examples where people raised above fear, pain, suffering, and also supported their fellow human beings outnumbers the violence. No matter how dreary a situation is, please remember that pain and suffering are a choice. It’s all a matter of perspective, of being willing to see the opportunity and learn the lesson. Roberto Benigni artfully illustrates this concept in his movie, “Life Is Beautiful,” and so does Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, in his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.”

I currently live in Santa Ana, California. I guess it’s pretty much the same as in other cities in SoCal — events canceled, stores closed, people started wearing masks. Also, I got a chance to meet more neighbors because people took up walking or jogging. I also noticed that people became even friendlier and greeted each other with a smile, although they’ve never met before.

Once this is over, I hope people will have and show more respect to nature and wildlife; that our kindness and support to one another and the planet will skyrocket. I also hope we’ll pull the plug on competition and scarcity and create a new society built on cooperation and mutual support. I hope people will have the courage to follow their passions and dreams.

I would love to tell my grandkids about this time. I will tell them about the Italians who stayed united and sang together at the same time from their balconies. Or about the volunteers in Bucharest, Romania, young people who donated their time and resources to deliver food to the doorstep of seniors confined to their homes. Stories show how the human spirit always overcomes and how people come together in the face of danger.

A.G. Billig is a published author of fiction and non-fiction books focused on the expression of love as the ultimate empowering force that helps us unleash our full potential and fulfill our destiny. Her mission is to empower and inspire people to live an authentic life built on love, freedom, and joy.