Is it over yet?

The pandemic.
The dog biting me during zoom meetings.
Working from home.
Missing the physical presence of other humans.

The list goes on. I’m sure we are all longing and waiting and anticipating a future where things are back to “normal” or some sort of “new” normal.

But here’s the thing: It’s going to be a while.

There is hope. But rather than longing for the future, I propose that we frame things differently — I’ve been a little less anxious for doing this. Regardless of the pile of things to do — or the anxieties provoked by our individual and unique situations, let’s take into account all the things that we can appreciate.

Make a list of the little things. The stuff that you don’t practice appreciation for normally. Like your pillow. Or a cup of coffee. How about the tech you have that allows you to connect with others? Or your favorite pair of socks. All these little things add up and helped me realize that when I’m not motivated, or feeling awful, that I have a lot to be thankful for.

Consider the opportunities for new experiences or perspectives that this current situation has afforded us.

• Some of us have more time than ever when working from home.
  How will we use that ‘extra’ time to benefit our personal lives or careers?

• We have the opportunity to connect with family and neighbors more, even if on zoom.
  How will we make memories and build relationships that will last forever?

• As designers, many of us are ‘stuck’ at home looking for new creative outlets and perspectives.
  How will we continue to seek new perspectives when we’re not out “in” the world?

I’ll be the first to admit — it’s really easy to slip into the mode of PJs all day, turn ‘off’ from the world, and head to loungetown. Give yourself the time to do this of course, but realize the beauty in the present.

Can’t travel? Book a fun little adventures to local woods or neighborhoods and pack a weird snack or go to a spot you’ve never explored.

Uninspired? Stay up all night long doing work with friends on zoom while taking turns dj-ing and enjoying laughs and candy and beer.

Snowy and cold? Put on some boots, go for a walk around the block and you’ll realize that the wind whipping in your face was kinda fun.

Sick of hearing the same people talk all day? Make a new Podcast or Audiobook friend … binge listen someone who teaches you a new skill or perspective.

Now more than ever we have the time to use our creative and artistic brains to learn, grow, connect, explore, and focus. Let’s bring ourselves to enjoy the moment with presence — rather than long for the future. If we continue to long for the future during this pandemic, we will continue to chase and long for things even once it’s over. The result? Never feeling satisfied for the very wonders that are right in front of us. All we need to do is open our eyes and brains. This note is a reminder to myself to do just that.

So a thought to wrap the week: Approach this weekend with purpose. Explore, be curious, have fun, and immerse yourself in your present life. If you change your attitude and perspective, your view in the present moment will change. If you continue to wallow with impatience, and focus on the future, you’ll miss out on growth as a human and a designer.

We all want this darn pandemic to be over. If we take on each day with purpose, we might not want the opportunities we’ve made for ourselves during it to end. Embrace these uncertain times by making opportunities and we will emerge from the pandemic with energy, regardless of when that is.