Skip to main content

Quaran-Tea Time

It was March 15, 2020, the first day of Enhanced Community Quarantine that I felt like I was being strangled. It finally dawned on me that I cannot just take the next flight to see my family whenever I miss them. 

I fared no better in the coming days as I felt like I was being pulled between two opposing powerful forces. I was succumbing to a depressed state while also being very much aware that I had to pull myself together. I had to stay strong for my family (especially my mom who broke down over the phone), my staff (who were with me), our family businesses (we had to close non-essential businesses and had to maximize digital marketing efforts for essential business), my anxious patients (who somehow made me forget my troubles because I had to do counseling as early as 7am and as late as midnight), and the donors who needed my assistance in coordinating aid. Not to mention the responsibilities I had with corporate clients and writing articles for Manila Bulletin. I was ready to snap!

God's Word sustained me. Worship kept me on my toes. My inner circle and our daily devotions and prayer meetings kept me sane. With a renewed mind and spirit, I embraced the new norm, the things I have no control over. Gratitude started to fill my heart. I am thankful to God for the gift of technology. Especially in times when the longing to be with my family, especially my nephew Noah and niece Mira, physically hurts.


“I think ECQ can draw the creativity in us to still emotionally connect, have fun and have engaging activities even when we’re required to be physically distant. The silver lining is that we’re lucky to be experiencing this at an age where we have technology to help us.”
                                                                                - Dr. Angel Belle Dy of Medmom Institute

My cousin Leana who has an MA in Psychology, Concentration in Developmental Psychology, organized a virtual tea time with our darling Miranda. 

"I think one way we can support children and help them cope with these unusual circumstances is to allow them to connect with others online. Connecting with family members or friends can provide a sense of familiarity and security especially during this period of change." - Leana

Our little girl was ecstatic when she saw us. She sang the song I’m a Little Teapot and danced Tala for us. She happily ate popcorn and drank water. She had tea time outside the house with her “duyan” hanging beside their pets Mango and Kiwi’s cage. Simple joys.
"Speaking as a tita, I wanted to bring joy and amusement to my niece. I don’t get to see Noah and Mira as often. I want to be part of their lives as much as I can given that are families are close. So the virtual tea party was a fun and playful way to build our relationship." - Leana

If there is one thing I have learned from this modern day Rapunzel story of my life, it is to cherish every moment and make the most out of that moment while hoping that God has yet to reveal something greater very soon.

My Tea Time Corner


Mira is eating popcorn




Cousin Leana's Tea Time Spot









Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Praise Him Who Orchestrates

From an outsider's perspective, my professional life revolves around the highly coveted (by quack nutritionists and dietitian wannabes) practice of being a nutrition, health and wellness expert.  Made even more exciting by the myriad of interesting people I get to meet in my office, my client's corporate offices, as well as, the lectures and media launches and appearances I engage in. A career that is not only financially rewarding but delicate and dynamically impacting the lives of people in many ways.  Little do people know about my life as an online English teacher which commenced in 2013 and concluded in 2018. A humbling experience that has taught me so much about the Japanese culture and how it is to truly work for something that does not entail much monetary compensation. Half an hour or two, sometimes more hours, several days in a month was all it took to give me that sense of pride in witnessing my students, who could barely speak a word of English during our first les...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Cosy Tea Shop in the Castle

Author: Caroline Roberts The setting was perfect. As you read through this chicklit's pages, you will be transported to a charming castle that is falling apart. The entire novel will surely evoke cravings for the sweet tooth. It was an entertaining read up until the author seemingly decided to try her luck in writing a steamy novel which turned out to be a total disaster. The descriptive sex scenes were unnecessary in the story plot, not to mention how badly they were written. I had to browse through the pages quickly. Finally, as if the author wanted to reward her readers for enduring those cringe-worthy pages, you will find something at the end of this book that will be useful in your kitchen. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Reflections of a 40-year old Rehabilitated Shopaholic

I am 10 lbs heavier and happier. I am healthier in mind and body because  I have learned how to let go of relationships that don’t respect and reflect my values,  say no to activities that don’t align with my purpose, choose my battles wisely,  and be content to rely on God’s grace each day.  Grace to accept that God’s thoughts are higher  than my thoughts,  grace to forgive, grace to do what I have to do even if  I don’t want to  get out of my comfort zone.  Grace to eat better, slee p soundly and be physically active.  More importantly, I have learned to be happy with my appearance,  to be content with my lot in life, not seeking anyone’s approval  and couldn’t care less about popularity, what I wear, how I look or  even what accolades I have in order to impress anyone  because I have reached that point in my life  where I no longer have to seek  anyone’s approval to affirm that I am loved, wante...
Post a Comment
Read more