Violeta Antovska

I remember the day: March 22, 2020, when New York State went on PAUSE.

In New York City, PAUSE remained in effect for eleven weeks. That period was immensely challenging for me because I was an essential worker. I was one of New York City's approximately 1.1 million essential workers—people who continued working outside their homes during the shutdown.

I was also among the many essential workers who faced increased exposure simply by having to travel to and from Manhattan and interact with people outside my home.

During those first months, the uncertainty was overwhelming. We did not know how long the pandemic would last, how dangerous the virus would become, or what the future would look like.

But I knew one thing: I had to do everything I could to protect myself and the people around me.

I wore a mask and, when appropriate, added a face shield and protective glasses to reduce my exposure to respiratory droplets. I tried to maintain at least six feet of distance whenever possible, although that was not always easy because I was responsible for receiving important mail and packages for the mission.

I wore disposable gloves and changed them frequently.

I used hand sanitizer and regularly disinfected high-touch surfaces, desks, and door handles. I opened doors and windows whenever possible to improve ventilation.

There is even a funny story from that time that people at the mission still remember.

I had 91% isopropyl alcohol, and I experimented with mixing it with vodka and glycerin to make sanitizer for the mission. Those were unusual times, and we were all doing what we could with the resources we had.

At home, I became just as careful.

I worried about bringing the virus back with me, so I took precautions to reduce what we now call take-home exposure. I removed my shoes before entering the house, disinfected my work clothes immediately, and limited physical contact with loved ones for months.

I was at a much higher risk of exposure because of my work, but fortunately, I never tested positive for COVID-19. I tested myself every week.

I also focused on maintaining healthy habits.

I made sleep a priority, aiming for seven to nine hours whenever possible. I exercised regularly, including more than 40 minutes of walking each day. I paid attention to nutrition, ate antioxidant-rich foods and protein, and took supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.

I also understood that protecting my health meant protecting my mental health.

The pandemic created an enormous amount of stress and uncertainty. I used meditation, deep breathing, social connection—even when that connection had to happen remotely—and other practices to help manage stress.

I listened to relaxing music online.

I prayed.

I practiced positive thinking and psychological flexibility.

I continued learning and training online, which gave me something constructive to focus on and helped protect me from some of the stress and isolation of the pandemic.

But perhaps most importantly, my faith carried me through.

Online prayer became an important source of meaning and emotional strength. My belief in God and the love and support of my family became critical sources of resilience.

For me, faith became a kind of psychological body armor.

It did not mean I was never afraid.

It did not mean I knew what was going to happen.

It meant I had something deeper than my fear to hold on to.

Looking back, I realize that resilience came from many different places: faith, family, social support, learning, exercise, healthy habits, adaptability, and the decision to keep moving forward even when the circumstances were uncertain.

The pandemic taught me that resilience is not simply about surviving a difficult experience.

It is about finding ways to protect your mind, strengthen your spirit, care for your body, remain connected to others, and continue finding meaning when circumstances are beyond your control.

I learned that health is everything.

I learned that mental health matters just as much as physical health.

I learned that adaptability is essential.

I learned that social connection can sustain us even when we cannot physically be together.

I learned that learning and purposeful activity can give us strength during uncertain times.

And I learned, perhaps most deeply, the power of believing in something greater than myself.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed all of us.

For me, it reinforced something I hope never to forget:

Take care of your health. Protect your mental health. Stay adaptable. Love your family. Support one another. And hold on to your faith.

For me, that faith is in God.

Believe in God.

Amen.