Since Thursday I stay at home as much as possible. A “self-imposed quarantine”. Not because I have symptoms that indicate that I may have been infected with the corona virus, but because I know that these symptoms can come up one to two weeks after infection, so in theory I could already have it. I want to reduce the risk that I infect others, but of course also that I become infected myself as much as possible. So: #Istayathome. Doesn’t a tiny house become very tiny when you’re in quarantine? ;)

No, not for me. I am already used to working from home so I have been home all day long very often. Fortunately, I can still do work even though the first cancellation of a lecture has already arrived. I fully understand that cancellation. Writing blogs can continue even if I am probably “locked up” in my Tiny House for a long time. That’s not how I experience it though, as if I’m being locked up. I love my cozy little house and I also still have a nice garden and terrace where I can sit in the early spring sunlight. The weather forecast predicts it will be terrace weather this week! So now we just grab a tiny terrace instead of heading into the city. Still, if this situation is going to last a long time (which I suspect it will), my world will become very small and I will definitely miss physical contact with my loved ones.
Fortunately, besides work, I have so many more options to enjoy myself. For example, I can enjoy working in the garden. Last week I already sowed some tomatoes, peppers and flowers indoors. The first salad greens I sowed are emerging. I think I’m going to sow a little more this week. Being able to provide a little bit of your own vegetables is not a bad idea in any circumstance, but in light of recent developments, now growing your own vegetables may be a great investment of your energy. I can still go for a walk in nature. And I really enjoy watching my flock of chickens scurrying around.

Indoors I also have plenty of options to entertain myself. Reading a good book remains a favourite pastime. I also recently bought materials to learn to crochet, now I have time to learn that skill. There are enough YouTube videos to explain the basics to me. So far I’m terrible at it, haha! But I’m sure I will improve. And then there is Spotify to listen to music, Netflix to watch a movie or series every now and then and I also like to play a computer game. Tidy up my house and cleaning it up a bit, cooking delicious meals… Now more than ever I’m so happy with my fridge-freezer! The three freezer drawers are loaded and I also have enough space in the house to store a small stock of food. I can bridge a few weeks if necessary. Preppers unite! :P
I see a lot of blogs being published with tips on what to do at home so that you don’t get bored. There really is no need to get bored, we have a wealth of online entertainment at our disposal. For example, now that you have the time, you can finally do that online Tiny House course by Marjolein in het klein. ;) What a luxury, don’t you think so? But also take this opportunity to play a nice old-fashioned board game with your loved ones if you stay at home with your family. To have a good conversation with each other, and go deeper than usual. To sit still for a moment and just be.

What I also regularly do now is follow the news. I usually try to keep this at a minimum, but with everything that is going on at the moment, I notice that I’m less successful in avoiding it. I’ve seen people in articles describing symptoms of having a ‘corona obsession’ and I fear that I also suffer a little from that.. But I do my best not to constantly have my nose in a screen and be discouraged by all the heavy news . This is an excellent time to learn new things. To think about who we really are and learn new habits and skills to match. Relax and reflect. The pace is forced to slow down for many people. I hope we will give those who have to work extra hard now and have no time for reflection at all a well-deserved free holiday when all this is over.
What concerns many people now is what we can do for each other. It is heart-warming to see all the beautiful initiatives coming to light. It is also completely in line with Rutger Bregmans’ book: ‘De meeste mensen deugen’ (Most people are good). We join forces in times of crisis. I think this initiative of the: ‘Corona Quarantaine contact’ is a wonderful example and I immediately registered. You can indicate whether you want to be called if you need contact because you are alone at home, or whether you want to call someone who is alone at home. Just contact, if only by phone. Just a moment of attention for each other. Small effort, great pleasure. People everywhere are posting online that they want to help. Shopping for people who cannot do so themselves, people offer themselves as babysitters and much more. Truly heart-warming.
The best thing to do if you have the slightest opportunity is to stay at home.
Even if you live very small. This article explains very well why that is essential. Only if we all take responsibility for limiting the spread of the virus as much as possible, will we help hospital staff to cope with the flow of infected patients, so that as few people as possible die. We are going through turbulent times, that’s for sure. Take courage, take good care of yourself and your loved ones and be kind to one another. <3
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