Living with Long COVID reminds me of one of my favorite creatures: the sea turtle. As an avid snorkeler, I’ve spent countless hours watching these graceful animals navigate the ocean gliding effortlessly through clear waters or battling powerful currents to find their way.
Like the sea turtle, my journey with Long COVID is one of endurance, adaptability, and learning to move at my own pace.
THE SEA TURTLE’S SLOW AND STEADY PACE
Sea turtles have a rhythm all their own. They don’t rush; they conserve their energy, moving deliberately and purposefully. It’s a stark contrast to the frantic fish darting around them.
That’s my life now, a slower, more measured pace dictated by the unpredictable currents of Long COVID. I’ve had to let go of my old ways of living, where speed and multitasking were the norm, and embrace the deliberate, steady rhythm of the turtle.
On good days, I can glide along, enjoying moments of ease and clarity. On bad days, I feel like I’m battling an invisible riptide, every movement an effort. But like the turtle, I keep going, even if it’s inch by inch.
DIVING DEEP AND SURFACING FOR AIR
Sea turtles spend most of their lives underwater, but they must surface regularly for air. That delicate balance between diving and surfacing mirrors my need to manage energy.
There are days when I can dive into small tasks, writing a bit, make a tea, or spending time with loved ones. But I have to surface often, taking breaks to rest and recharge. If I dive too deep or stay under too long, the payback is swift and unforgiving, pulling me into a tide of fatigue and brain fog.
Learning when to dive and when to surface has become a vital part of my survival.
RIDING THE CURRENTS
Sea turtles are masters of the currents, using them to their advantage rather than fighting against them. Watching them, I’ve learned that sometimes, the best way forward is to stop resisting and let the current carry me.
Long COVID has taught me to surrender to the flow of life, even when it feels uncertain. Fighting against it only drains my limited energy, while moving with it allows me to conserve my strength for the moments that matter most.
THE SHELL OF RESILIENCE
Sea turtles carry their homes on their backs, a shell that protects them from predators and harsh conditions. Long COVID has forced me to build my own kind of shell, one made of boundaries, self-care, and patience.
This shell isn’t about shutting the world out; it’s about protecting what’s most precious: my energy, my health, and my ability to heal. Like the turtle, I’ve learned that resilience doesn’t mean being invulnerable—it means being resourceful and adaptable in the face of challenges.
THE BEAUTY OF THE JOURNEY
Snorkeling with sea turtles has always been a magical experience, a reminder of the beauty and wonder beneath the surface. Even with Long COVID, I try to hold onto that sense of wonder.
There are still moments of beauty to be found, even in the struggle—watching my daughter laugh, feeling the sun on my face, or savoring the simple joy of floating in the present.
The sea turtle teaches us that life is not about rushing to the finish line but about finding joy in the journey, no matter how slow or challenging it may be.
CONCLUSION: LIVING LIKE A TURTLE
Long COVID has changed the way I move through life, but it hasn’t taken away my ability to navigate its waters. Like the sea turtle, I’ve learned to adapt, conserve energy, and find strength in my own unique rhythm.
So if you find yourself caught in the currents of Long COVID, remember the turtle. Slow down, breathe deeply, and trust that you can weather the tides. You don’t have to rush to the shore sometimes, the journey itself is enough.
Long Covid Journey 