As countries and cities around the world are finally flattening the infected and death curve created by the Covid19 pandemic, lifting quarantine restrictions is happening. For millions, life will never be the same due to the massive loss of life, jobs, economic security, and also freedoms. Sadly, the world we left before this pandemic started, it’s not the one we will be returning to.

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away” ~ Frida Kahlo.

As governors slowly lift restrictions, one that could and should stay in place is social distancing. Six-feet are essential to keep the virus at bay until there’s a proven, effective vaccine, and everyone takes it. The last part is critical to have herd immunity and suppress the virus, but it’s difficult since it takes time to develop them and make them available to all at the same time. Another critical issue is that many people don’t believe in vaccines due to ethical, religious, or behavioral beliefs and don’t take them nor give them to their children.

“I am not sick… I am broken” ~ Frida Kahlo.

Protesters around the country are voicing their concerns and fears regarding the vaccine, opening businesses, social distancing restrictions, unemployment, and travel restrictions, among other topics. How can we go back to “normal” if the virus is still lurking around, very much alive and well? It seems that the only thing that has slow it down is our social isolation practices.

“I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best” ~ Frida Kahlo.

For many, the latter issue is too challenging to accept, and it’s understandable since we’re social beings by nature who can’t thrive in isolation, or can we?

“I think that little by little I’ll be able to solve my problems and survive”~ Frida Kahlo.

Read More: This Millennial Fought (and won) the Fight Against Breast Cancer

“I never paint dreams or nightmares; I paint my own reality” ~ Frida Kahlo.

Frida Khalo lived critical years of her life in isolation and went on to become one of the greatest painters in history. While being socially distanced from everyone, she was able to think, create, wonder, and experience the world through her imagination and pain. She used her broken body as her primary source of inspiration and was able to discover who she was and what was her purpose in life. She accomplishes greatness in the arts without any distractions.

“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to” ~ Frida Kahlo.

Can we do that? Can we take advantage of this prolonged pause, sort out through all the noise, and distractions of our daily routines? What about finally get into baking, learn a second language, teach yourself how to play an instrument, start that blog, your desired virtual shop, or YouTube Channel. How about taking a Zumba class online, getting a virtual Yoga certification, or start a keto or vegan diet. I mean, the possibilities are endless since most classes, courses and certifications have moved online. You can finally complete your degree or that training program you always wanted at home without feeling guilty of missing out.

“At the end of the day we can endure much more than we think we can” ~ Frida Kahlo.

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a.k.a the triumph of the Mexican military in Puebla, Mexico, in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. Apart from making a toast with virtual Margaritas, what better way to celebrate this historical event than by sprinkling a few valuable life lessons from Frida’s quotes throughout this post to ease our anxiety. I have been thinking a lot about her since NYC went into lockdown, and we started to deal with this new reality. These quotes have carried and lifted me through this pandemic, and they might inspire you too. 

“I hope the exit is joyful and I hope never to return” ~ Frida Kahlo.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!