A month before the pandemic closed down the world, I had decided to move into my aunt's house to give her some company and to give myself some freedom from the responsibilities and small home I live in with my family. My aunt had recently lost her husband, and she was retired. She kept asking me, and I finally caved in. I wasn't sure what living with my vegetarian, ocd, all-natural product aunt would be like. It was a huge lesson!
During the pandemic, I finished my classes and graduated in January 2021. One factor that has altered the way I have been since being locked down is the work I have done on myself. I decided to work on myself, be more active, eat healthily, have more meaningful conversations, and, most importantly, understand that life is most important. Living with family is extremely different than visiting and stopping in. I lived with my aunt for 5 months, I learned how hard it had been for her since my uncle had passed and how my older cousin had been dealing with her father's loss. How similar this household and I were. My mom had passed away years before my uncle, and the loneliness that takes over doesn't show up in a family visit but shows up in honest conversation with your loved ones. Stuck in a house of 3 ladies, we dived deep into our grief, sorrow, and healing.
I have since then moved back into my house, and I have kept my relationship close to my aunt, I visit or call her every week, and we spend time doing things she loves, reading, walking, listening to music, and going to the temple. She wants a company in her life and I support her in that way. Bring her laughter as much as I can, and have an honest conversation about my life. Life is precious, it is unruly. We need to take care of ourselves and those who impact our lives to really appreciate what we have. Do not take things for granted. I allowed years to go by where I took things for granted, and now I appreciate the grounded, authentic, meaningful things life has to offer. Be present, be grounded, be well.
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