Locals share what they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic and talk about their worries, habits and hopes.
Ruth Mojeed, founder of The Inclusion Project, is isolating at home in Victoria, with her husband.
“Over the past few weeks, things have improved tremendously, and I have managed to adjust to a new workflow and life balance,” she says.
Ruth shared with YAM what her “new normal” looks like.
What has been the biggest change for you since COVID hit?
Initially, it was the weight of the uncertainty and finding a new momentum. For our team at The Inclusion Project, we’d been working on a number of projects for 2020; we’ve had to shift gears, quickly, in alignment with federal and provincial guidelines. There was also the lack of physical activities which I’ve had to re-adjust and find creative ways around.
What does your typical day look like?
I find myself racing between virtual meetings and a few webinars throughout the day, or supporting new research projects around the impact of the pandemic.
What are you most worried about?
I am most concerned that as a collective, we would be stuck yearning what was and not putting enough into what things could be or all of the opportunities that could emerge through this pandemic. I am owning a lot of privilege in the ability to look forward and attempt to forecast, and I understand that there might be many people who may be unable to recover easily.
How do you de-stress?
Before the pandemic, life was stressful. Being stuck at home with so many uncertainties and unanswered questions was quite unnerving but through that also came the opportunity to re-imagine and re-reflect on what was once normal. Nowadays, I de-stress by letting go, enjoying the comfort of family and holding on to hope and peace that this too shall pass … and there are better days ahead. I also take really long walks!
What have you been reading/watching/listening to?
I’ve read:
- The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
- The Secret Wisdom of Nature by Peter Wohlleben
And I’ve been listening to a lot of Christian worship music.
Have you rediscovered any hobbies?
Cooking! Not quite a discovery— it’s one of my favorite things to do, but I’m discovering new flavours and methods.
Is there anything from this time you hope carries forward when this is over?
Our sense of connectedness — we are, after all, in this together.