We are now at the mid-point of the circuit breaker. If you are unaware of Singapore current affairs, we have to stay at home for a total of 8 weeks. We can go out to buy food and exercise, that's pretty much it. Hopefully, the restriction can be lifted soon.

Truth to be told, I am enjoying this time. I feel much more productive at work because there is hardly any distraction at home. I have no snacks. I only have a small working space to do my work. I don't even need to worry about food. I will use whatever leftover food there is and recreate an edible dish. This is the freedom that I am enjoying. I have to thank my very much privileged background for this freedom.

At the same time, I won't deny the fact that I do feel a bit of paranoid if I were to go out. I had only stepped out of my house once out of these 4 weeks. I have to go to the bank. I didn't even get to have a cup of bubble tea during this circuit breaker. I do not want to risk going out and bring any virus back because there is an elderly at home. This is not the best time to fall sick. Of course, I would love to go out and have some fresh air, but I am equally lazy as well. The idea of grooming to go out for less than an hour is very tiring. Hence, I decided to stay in.

What have I achieved?

Nevertheless, this circuit breaker pushes me to do more things. I started to cook lunch for myself. I have yet to order food delivery services because I am impatient. The delivery time is at least 30 minutes. Hence, the start of my cooking adventure. The highlight of all these cooking experiments is that I managed to crack eggs and cook the perfect sunny side up. I am damn proud of myself! On top of that, the bland food that I cooked is good enough for my taste bud. I hardly use any seasoning, except salt and pepper. I am glad to say I have gained another survival skill.

What have I learnt?

This circuit breaker also causes me to realise that you do not need a lot of things to survive. In the time of crisis, you just need the bare minimum. This idea could also be reframed for businesses as well. Right now, it is the best time to see how one can transform your business. You do not need an office space. You do not need physical hard copies, thanks to technology. Work can still be done as long as you hire the correct people. Is it the best time now to set up a business? Maybe... there is no wrong time to start a business so long as you believe in your product and you are willing to work for it. Even in the darkest time, so long as you can hold on, learn from failures and adapt accordingly. You would succeed.

The best lesson that this circuit breaker has taught me is prioritising myself. Finally, I have time and space to put myself first and ask myself a lot of questions. What are the influences in my life? Is it good or bad? What is it that I really want? Have I got lost somehow? This circuit breaker has allowed me to find the answers that were buried deep in me. I found the key areas that I want to do better. I know what I need to chase after. In short, I want my life to be better. Although, a lot said that the future is uncertain. However, this is not a reason to stop me from moving forward. I will do myself more wrong if I do not move forward.

What's next?

I foresee that life would change after the pandemic is over. There could be more companies looking at virtual teams. Healthcare systems may improve in some countries. Some of us might have gained new perspectives about the potential new norm too. Who knows? Some of us may even look into carving out some space at home for work or exercises.

As for me, I am going to chase after what I want despite this period. I am looking forward to all the possible opportunities. Whatever the case is, come what may!

x, Esther