Holding on to Hope & Post-Quarantine Plans

Philosopher Jean de La Bruyère once said, “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” This idea of leaning towards hope is something I’m personally trying to be more mindful of while spending time at home these days. Although the world at large is put on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are a few silver linings to life in quarantine. The future may be uncertain, but we can still make the best of the present moment and believe in better days to come. Here, we chatted with a few inspiring souls on their post-quarantine bucket list.

Rebecca Parekh, Co-Founder and CEO of THE WELL

“I can’t wait to get back to THE WELL! It’s such a peaceful and healing space—the plants, diffused light, therapeutic essential oils wafting throughout the space. I look forward to reconnecting with our community and practicing yoga in our Mindful Movement studio. Also, once it feels safe to do so, I can’t wait to visit my family. I’m cooking all the time because food is a powerful medicine and I’m taking extra supplements, including THE WELL Immune Complex. Also, I’m finding organizations to support—whether it’s financially or by sharing on social to raise awareness. Never before has integrated wellness been more important—food as medicine, stress management, emotional well-being—and this experience has me feeling more passionate about that than ever. We are being called to serve and question in a very real way and I’m trying to show up meaningfully.”

Shirin von Wulffen, Co-Founder of Bastide

“The thing I miss most is being in Provence where we make all of our Bastide products! I’m currently camped out in upstate New York with my family. As soon as the quarantine is over, we will hopefully be heading to Aix, visiting the beautiful antique markets and galleries. It’s been tough adjusting to the new rhythm of homeschooling, cooking, cleaning and work, but I also feel strangely empowered by this whole moment. I grew up on a horse farm, so this reminds me of my childhood. We spent a great deal of time together as a family. The impact of the virus is, of course, devastating; my heart goes out to all who have lost a loved one or their livelihood. On a personal level, though, I am really trying to think about what I can do to hold onto some of the peace that I have found in this crazy moment.”

Sylvie Chantecaille, Founder of Chantecaille

“I’m going to have a massage; I need it. Usually, I get one weekly to keep everything aligned and relaxed. I am so sorry I can’t see my regular masseur. It saddens me that he, like many people, cannot work right now. Not being surrounded by people has been such an adjustment—I know this is hard for everyone. I am lucky to have my family close and nature right outside my door. [My team and I] have phone calls every day. I am very careful to not hold my phone up to my ear all day long, and am wearing our Blue Light Hyaluronic Serum religiously. For me, it’s the lasting impression of what is truly, really important. Our earth is healing so fast—the water, the Himalayas, the air… When our lives were put on hold, pollution stopped, and that’s an eye-opening lesson. I hope we now know we need to do less—be less frantic, less busy, use less, make less, discard less. We can still be happy with less. We need to protect our planet.”

Olivia Chantecaille, Creative Director of Chantecaille

“The first thing I want to do is a digital detox and explore somewhere totally different from my current world. I’d like to go back to St. Barths and enjoy the beach with my family, phone-free. This global pandemic has brought us closer together, both within the company and with our customers. This has allowed us to focus even more on our online business. I am so grateful to have an amazing team working from home; they motivate and inspire me every day! My daughter, Delphina and I are having a lot of fun doing art, science, cooking projects, digital schoolwork and spending time in our garden. I also finally have time for yoga and meditation, which I hope to keep up with after quarantine is over. I am also relieved and encouraged by the positive effects this time at home has had on our planet. The air and water are actually becoming less polluted and cleaner. I’m excited about a new normal where there is a healthy balance in the world that benefits us, the animals, and the planet.”

Romain Gaillard, Founder and CEO of The Detox Market

“I’m looking forward to the simple pleasures: family, friends, and food. Once quarantine ends, I’m planning to throw a dinner party (although I don’t think it will be happening any time soon!) at my place featuring all the incredible recipes I’ve been indulging in during lockdown. In the spirit of sustainability, everything will be made from scratch with minimum waste. After all, celebrating freedom doesn’t mean forgetting about the planet. It’s been a great exercise in surrendering to the present moment. Instead of fighting [the uncertainty], I’ve embraced it. Quarantine has given me so many reasons to feel grateful. I have more time to spend with my wife and children, to cook, play sports, and read—all of the everyday joys that usually take a backseat in modern working life. It has brought a powerful perspective. I’ve been able to slow down and focus on what really matters: love, health, family, and community.”

Carly Zell, Senior Private Client Advisor at Moda Operandi

“The first thing I’m planning to do post-quarantine is to go wherever my family and friends are to catch up, laugh and hug! It brings me joy to be around those whom I love. I also can’t wait to bond with my baby niece Tali—she is getting so big. I feel thankful to be spending my quarantine working from home, distracting myself with beautiful things, and on Zoom with small groups from my team at Moda Operandi to foster ideas. Taking regular breaks is just as important; sometimes it’s watercolor painting, online barre classes, or trying my hand at cooking! I am in awe of the strength, generosity, and patience of my friends, clients, and family—both near and far. It has convinced me even more that women can do anything, and can do it all with grace. This experience has also strengthened my resolve to find a better balance between personal and work life; much like I’ve needed to balance my journey to the fridge and working out during quarantine. I’m excited to find a happy medium!”