How Quarantine Motivated Me — BY SKYLER RENEE

I am just going to start with saying that—I think that COVID-19 was a blessing for me. I really needed this time to take a step back and re-evaluate what my passions in life are and where I see myself, mainly in work. I decided to take this time and turn it into something positive. I feel like during this time of the year, Nick and I don’t take time for vacations. It’s strictly work and some play on the weekends, because we know that the second half of the year we are usually go-go-go. I was temporarily laid-off, while Nick was able to WFM.

The first couple of days of my WFM were a little “different”- we were still in our old townhouse, where space was small and we only had one desk. Solution: move some furniture around and bring in our beer pong table and use it as a desk for Nick so that he could have his own “WFM office” downstairs, and mine would be upstairs. (This worked out perfectly for the one week we were in our town house- then, we needed to get packin’ to move!) Getting into a new routine can be daunting for some. It took a few days to learn and get into a groove.

Here was my routine:

-7 AM Wake up

-8 AM join in on F45’s ZOOM workout. Only 45 min. I forgot how much I love starting my day with a workout. (if you haven’t tried it… now is the time!)

-9 AM coffee//breakfast//check emails//shower

-10 AM start my “work day” which is what I have labeled as “positive” below:

Positive: I was able to use this time to go through my closet and focus on re-selling on Poshmark to make some extra earnings. This is an incredible and very easy way to make money and have fun with it. All you have to do is post pictures of your clothing, maybe take some measurements, and list. There are some other tips and tricks, but I will create another blog post about that. For beginners, just start cleaning out your closet and get to listing. In one month, I was able to make $1500 selling from just my closet!!

Positive: I also took the initiative to sign up for GoLive’s website launch to get my blog (what you’re reading now) started and moving within 5 days. Before this world pandemic, I didn’t have the time to come home and work on my blog, especially after being at work 7AM-6PM. I just wanted to be home spending time with my husband and my dog, lol. Oh, and fitting a workout in there somewhere. I had started on my website back in November 2019 and it had been pretty much on hold ever since then.

Positive: Getting back my PhotoShop skills and creating layouts and inspiration boards for home decor, which I love doing. Also, creating outfit inspiration boards and home organization.

Positive: Unbox and be able to organize our new home without having to feel pressure in getting it all done within one weekend. I was able to do it efficiently! Although- it was a little “stressful” at times. Not gonna lie, Nick and I got in a little tiff about pantry organization and where the Instant Pot should go. LOL

Obvious Positive: I was able to spend more time with Nick and Archie and take midday walks and come up with new cocktails and recipes. Also, having fun Virtual Happy Hours with friends and fam.

Positive: I was able to focus on researching different beauty trends//skincare routines. Sounds silly, but skincare has always been an important part of my AM and PM routine but I was needing a change.

Positive: I had applied to go back to school to further my degree and I was ACCEPTED! Big decisions coming up.

I could keep going on a list of positive’s here. I really needed this time!

I think the only negatives were:

-We could not celebrate with our friends and my family. I knew my mom would’ve been here in a heartbeat helping Nick and I get the home together! As well as our friends.

-Going to the grocery store really sucked. LOL

The main reason for this post is not the “brag” that this time was so easy for me. I could’ve taken this time to mope around and be sad that I lost my job (temporarily), that my routine was messed up, that I couldn’t see my friends, go to bars, travel…. and so on. I didn’t. Yea, this time sucks, but for any situation in life, you can always somehow turn it into positive—even though that sometimes takes work and effort.

Now, going back to work… is going to be tough, honestly LOL. I got into a really comfortable routine. I have been able to do what I truly love while being in the comfort of my home. For now, I will work and continue to grow my side gigs and hopefully be able to focus on this full-time someday soon.

Good things take work y’all! Have a great week.

I would love to hear how y’all have taken/are taking this time. I know it is different for everyone. Please comment below: