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If you were very close to getting your life together in the months leading up to the outbreak of the new novel coronavirus, don’t worry. You weren’t the only one.

For many of us, myself included, 2020 wasn’t just another new year, but a new decade. The slogan “2020 Vision” engulfed us all in a mindset of success, change and next steps.

Then COVID-19 turned up as if to say, “Gotcha!”

This global pandemic showed up like a pop quiz in economics none of us were prepared for, but is somehow giving us the exact tools we need to pass the test.

Quizzes are simply mini tests to show us what we are lacking in and the areas we need to study more.

This time now, more than ever, is a period of reflection.

We all had New Year’s resolutions, whether it was to be fit, save money or learn something new. But let’s put those aside for a minute and use this time quarantined at home to reflect on what needs healing inwardly.

If you’re quarantined at home with your children, turn around, talk to them, ask how they are feeling and truly listen to the answer.

For husbands and wives quarantined at home, you may be spending more time together than you had in several years. Don’t let that strain your relationship. Find a way to make it a positive.

Instead of returning fire, ask your significant other why (s)he is mad and how you can fix it. Rekindle an old flame that is dim with a life of exhaustion and sleepless hours.

If you’re a college student or a mid-adult holed up at home alone and thinking you can’t possibly binge watch Netflix for another month, put the remote aside and learn about yourself. Look up your family tree or take a personality quiz.

During this unprecedented time, most of us are stuck at home and may be finding ourselves looking at the people we share our lives with and realizing we don’t really know them.

Find the problem and provide a solution. Fix the things only time, patience and communication can mend.

After all, if there is one thing we all have on our hands right now, it’s time.

Cassandra Jenkins is a news reporter at The Port Arthur News. She can be reached at cassie.jenkins@panews.com.