Recently, I’ve noticed that many posts on Facebook are re-posts. People are sharing old memories from before the pandemic, from their travels, evenings out, and events. But I have also noticed that many people post beautiful photos from where they live; many fantastic pictures from their neighborhood or nearby. Since we cannot travel at the time being, we reminisce old times but we also discover our surroundings.

When I first went to London on a school trip in the 7^th grade, we visited all the main tourist attractions and went inside historic buildings. Inside, I think it was St. Paul’s Cathedral, a friend of mine said: “I have never been to the light house at home”. We laughed at that. Here we were in a big city abroad and went to all the magnificent constructions from the past, but many of us had never been to the historic buildings at home. The same thing hit me when I moved to Stockholm. Since I thought I was only staying for the summer, I visited all the things tourists visit in Stockholm. My Swedish friends who grew up in Stockholm admitted that they had never been to certain historic places in their own city.

We travel abroad to discover and see the beautiful and extraordinary things we read about and learn about in school but we often forget to notice what is just around the corner. I am pleased to see all the beautiful photos that people post now of our own city or nearby places. The pandemic is horrible but it has contributed to us opening our eyes to other things. We are forced to be creative in order not get too frustrated or depressed.

But how do we continue to be creative when this pandemic just goes on and on? How can we keep up the spirit when it’s easy to feel powerless and out of control? I have my ups and downs as well and sometimes find it hard to be creative. We don’t have much control of what happens but we can do our best to follow the guidelines. And we do have a choice – we can choose to do the best of the situation. What is the best to do? Do something that you love, something that makes you happy. Be a little wild and crazy now and then – as long as it doesn’t hurt other people or disrespect the current restrictions.

Since I love running, I run a lot and I have discovered the pleasure of social running as a tourist in my own city. When I run with my friend Ingrid, we see different parts of Stockholm and after a while, we take a coffee break and then we continue running. My friend Susanne and I always have great philosophical discussions on our runs. I am grateful to have such wonderful friends and that we can meet and run; it makes me feel alive.

Spending time with friends means a lot to me and I appreciate each moment. Now when the spring and summer is coming, I am hopeful for us being able to meet more often in nice weather.

My clients at the gym gives me energy. Helping people working out and contributing to their way to a healthier lifestyle feels meaningful to me. We are lucky in Sweden that the gyms are still open.

I love reading and writing and therefore, I do that every day. Writing down your feelings – good and bad – may work like therapy. If I feel low and I write it down, it’s like a burden is being relieved a little.

Sometimes, I’m just lazy; I relax and watch Netflix series. When you can’t travel, you can ”visit” your favorite places on TV. I’ve watched a lot of French series; I miss Paris!

So, find your passions. Do what you love and be kind to each other. We are all in the same boat.

•