Chapter 1: The Power of Words

In the words of the legendary wizard Albus Dumbledore, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.” As someone deeply entrenched in the realms of writing and content marketing, I resonate with this sentiment. Words possess a unique power—they can nurture or dismantle even the most profound narratives we hold, often without us realizing it.

At the beginning of this year, I encountered two terms that felt unsettling: “lost time.” In my professional environment, we were tasked with crafting messages to uplift others as the economy began to reopen and restrictions eased. The prevailing narrative suggested that life was resuming its normal pace, presenting an opportunity to make up for lost time.

Lost time—these two words carry a heavy emotional weight. Yet, I find myself questioning their validity.

“Lost time,” as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, refers to the total working hours lost due to various interruptions. But is this why we perceive our pandemic years as “lost”? It seems we’ve been conditioned to equate inactivity with wastefulness, as if the past two years have no value.

Chapter 2: Personal Transformations

During a recent Zoom reunion with my high school friends, we engaged in a creative activity: sharing life updates through PowerPoint presentations. This led to a spontaneous question: “What’s the most significant change you’ve experienced during the pandemic?”

Dana shared her journey toward greater understanding, revealing that she had learned to be kinder to herself during difficult moments. “This is just a minor setback. You can do this,” became her mantra.

Sara admitted she was still navigating her transformations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing her well-being and not feeling guilty about it.

Lory, a medical student, expressed how her perspective shifted over time. Initially overwhelmed by the enormity of her responsibilities, she learned to focus on one task at a time, cherishing the time she had before embarking on her future endeavors.

When Talia spoke, she acknowledged a common theme: the need for self-care. As someone who thrived on social interactions, she learned to recharge alone, gaining a new appreciation for solitude.

Bernie illustrated her change through the Filipino phrase “mababaw ang kaligayahan,” which translates to “shallow happiness.” She found joy in simple experiences, like a recent trip outside the city, where she was moved to tears just by the act of traveling.

Chrissy echoed this sentiment, reflecting on how the pandemic allowed her to appreciate her loved ones more, even if it was through virtual means.

Finally, Amy opened up about the loss of her father. Despite their complicated relationship, she realized the importance of family and the need to be present for her mother.

In the video "How To Thrive In A Pandemic," various strategies are discussed to adapt and grow during these challenging times, reinforcing the themes of resilience and personal growth.

Chapter 3: The Essence of Character Development

Although societal pressures often lead us to measure progress by tangible milestones—like busy schedules or social media presence—what truly matters is the inner work we’ve all undertaken during the pandemic. The phrase “lost time” fails to honor the emotional growth we’ve experienced.

Instead, I prefer to embrace the idea of "character development." We must celebrate the transformations within ourselves, whether it’s gaining self-awareness, discovering strength, or recognizing the value of our relationships.

The video "#27: How Your Household Can Survive and Thrive During This Pandemic" highlights practical advice for maintaining well-being and fostering connections within households during trying times.

As Kelli Maria Korducki aptly noted, “It’s not an earth-shattering manifestation of growth, but it is real.”

Ultimately, as the Latin phrase Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis suggests: “Times change; we too change with them.” Through our challenges, we have adapted and thrived inwardly, which is, without a doubt, the most significant progress of all.