Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Isolation

The question remains: to isolate or not to isolate.

Photo by Tachina Lee on Unsplash

Since the onset of COVID-19, I've become quite comfortable staying indoors. My primary focus was caring for my mother, and I was determined to keep her safe from any potential exposure to the virus. Now that she is no longer with us, I find myself with more freedom to venture out, yet I often choose to remain at home—even during my rare moments of downtime from various projects. With everything I need at my fingertips, why risk stepping outside, especially when the news is filled with stories of crime and chaos?

However, today was different; I had an acupuncture appointment as part of my gradual journey back to fertility. Although I won’t fully dive into that process for another month, I decided to step into the world outside my door.

During the height of the pandemic, I would jokingly refer to going outside as an expedition to the "outside world." Whenever someone returned from an outing, I’d quip about their return from this mysterious realm, much like a scene from a sci-fi movie. Miraculously, they returned unscathed.

But today, the outside world was nothing short of stunning. After weeks of rainstorms, Los Angeles finally welcomed its first clear weekend. Those familiar with LA know that smog often blankets the city. Yet, as I drove down the 101 with a friend, I was captivated by the crisp visibility of the distant mountains. I looked up to see an airplane formation gliding overhead. Upon merging onto the 405, the vibrant green hills took my breath away—after years of drought, the sight of such lush grass made me want to leap into it and roll around. As a city dweller, this was an unexpected delight.

Following my appointment, we headed to the beach to catch the sunset over the ocean. It struck me that while the "outside world" can be intimidating, it also possesses extraordinary beauty.

If you're intrigued by my journey as an overwhelmed overachiever, don’t hesitate to engage with my work here on Medium. A little luck wouldn’t hurt either. Until next time!

Chapter 2: Navigating the New Normal

In the video "Sick with COVID? You no longer have to isolate for 5 days," the discussion revolves around updated guidelines for self-isolation during the pandemic. It highlights the evolving nature of our response to COVID-19 and encourages viewers to stay informed about the latest health recommendations.

The second video, "COVID-19: Self isolation & self quarantine," offers insights into the importance of self-isolation and quarantine measures. It serves as a reminder of the critical role these practices have played in managing the pandemic and protecting public health.