What day is it?

It’s Friday, in case you (are anything like me and) forgot.

Fridays used to be my calmest days. I’d go to one 50-minute class, come home and go to work at the chillest (yes I know that’s not a word) job. It was always the perfect amount of productivity and relaxation, with the perfect amount of time to do everything that needed to be done.

Fridays were everything that Fridays should be.

Now, Fridays are when all hell breaks loose. I have assignments due in six classes, no one has turned in their pieces to be edited, I haven’t written a blog all week, and when’s the last time I worked out I should probably do that today too.

You’d think having all of your work in one place would make things easier, but staying at home has made me more scatterbrained than ever. ((This post is called “What day is it?” because I literally didn’t know what day it was.))

I put off my work all week, and my days have become a streamline of constant mindlessness as I wait for some magical force to sweep me away into a state of motivation.

But reality check sweetie, this isn’t ending any time soon and you have to do that yourself.

Taking time to relax during quarantine is good. It’s important to check in and make sure you’re adequately taking care of yourself because this is a super weird time. But it’s also important to make sure you aren’t becoming stagnant while social distancing.

Because I know it feels nice to relax right now, but think about all those times you had a packed schedule and begged for a minute alone. How many times have you wished you had extra time to work out, or clean your room, or redecorate? And how much of that have you done in quarantine?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean this in a judgmental way. (Although I’d understand if you took it that way, that’s pretty on brand.) But let’s be honest, this is what we do –– or at least what I do –– we complain about everything we don’t have while taking what we do have for granted. Then when the tables are turned we do the same thing all over.

So if you’re the kind of person (like me) who complains when they’re busy and now you’re complaining that you’re not, take advantage of all this newfound time. I know it’s scary, it’s serious, it’s not a vacation and it’s not on anyone’s terms. But so many people right now have lost jobs or are getting sick, so if you have the luxury of staying home and not being laid off from your job, appreciate that. Understand that you’ve pleaded for a break, and that once you’re back at work you’ll be asking for another one.

Quarantine is weird, kids, and I know it’s taken a heavy toll on a lot of people. But we have to keep doing it. I know there’s a lot of confusion about the virus, and some people just don’t really get it. But whether you think you’re susceptible or not, whether you’re afraid of COVID-19 or don’t care about it, stay your ass at home.

Social distancing works, which is proof that we’re all in this together, even if we’re six feet apart.

With love (and without Starbucks for exactly a week now),

Jacklyn