“I am grateful for the virtual opportunities during COVID that helped me continue to learn and contribute.” – Natasha Bidinoff-Gardiner
by Natasha Bidinoff-Gardiner (Nelson)
Even though COVID had a negative impact worldwide, there have also been opportunities to find during this difficult time. In the moment, those opportunities weren’t so obvious, especially when we had to isolate from our friends, family and community.
I am grateful for the virtual opportunities during COVID that helped me continue to learn and contribute, like taking online upgrading courses at Selkirk College and attending the Nelson Self Advocacy meeting.
I’m also a presenter for the CLBC Welcome Workshops which we have been able to do online during COVID. Presenting to others about planning, setting goals and learning how to do a personal summary made me realize there are a lot of things that I want to do. I am grateful for the time I’ve had to make goals that include: teaching myself how to sew, learning to make delicious healthy foods, bettering my drawing skills, starting to paint, learning about science on YouTube, doing some science projects, group chatting with my friends and family, teaching myself about music, writing my own songs and many more.
During last winter, I could still snowboard and through the warmer months, I was able to go for walks, go mountain biking and go kayaking. Since the pandemic started, I got out of shape and that really affected my health. So I started doing workouts and stretches on YouTube. Boy was it ever hard when I first got into it! It took at least a month and half to get into the swing of the workouts.
It was hard work, but it paid off in the end, which I am super grateful for. Since I committed myself to getting back into shape, I feel like I have more life in me, like I am ready for some exciting adventures.
I am looking forward to leaving masks behind me and being in the community without feeling afraid of the virus. I am excited to visit my friends and family and to roam around more freely. I want to travel, go shopping at ease, go to the gym and maybe take some classes in the community like dance and voice lessons. I am looking forward to connecting with my community support worker in person.
I am grateful that this challenging time has helped me to realize all the things in life I want to do. Now I’m looking forward to doing them!
