One year on: What did we learn from lockdown life?
If you haven't heard already, we’ve officially passed the one-year mark since lockdown began… you know the “two-week” lockdown that Boris told us about? Lol. We’re right back where we started. I know you’ve all lived it too, but I thought I’d do a little recap on lockdown life. It’s been an odd year, to say the least, but strangely, a year that has completely transformed me for the better…
Light and fluffy… I had perfected the sprinkle cake and it was like CRACK. I didn’t understand the hype until I was part of the hype.
Let’s not forget the early weeks of lockdown… Banana bread, sprinkle cake, TikTok, and house party! Ahh those days were something! I must have made sooo many sprinkle cakes last summer and then I spent even more time in the kitchen when I made a foodie insta page! It was a change, but a change that was kind of enjoyable. I interacted with so many dope people on House Party and at least the roads were peaceful for my daily commutes to work which was nice. Challenges were coming in thick and thin including sports challenges, drinking challenges and songs, and we all got behind them. It was cute…
Summertime came and we had the BLM protest where we saw the world come together in unity. Yes, we were in lockdown, but this was a time where we really saw people stand by what they believed in and it was peaceful for the majority of the time. It was here where we contributed to history and stood up where we could. There was a feeling of hopeful change and impact and a pandemic was not about to scare us away. It’s certainly a time I’ll reference back to my children.
BLM - a time to remember
Finally, things started to relax a little… everyone started to go outside and enjoy the sun, did mini park linkups, and bike rides. The pandemic hadn’t seemed so scary in these days and it really felt like the world was finally taking time out and enriching itself. With less pollution, summer vibes, moral support and the hope of normality, I think we made the most of the summer we had.
Then… PANIC!
I can’t lie, with all the death toll numbers rising per day, the news was so morbid to consume. For me, work was becoming hectic and PPE supplies were low. I was working so much overtime and my headspace was a mess!
There were days I would wish that I was on furlough or could take time off but there simply wasn’t the staff or capacity. I would cry at work, cry at home, and I had so much on my shoulders.
Looking back now, I honestly don’t know how I kept going because life was stressful in and out of work and all I wanted to do is stay at home and shield. I’d spend my days going into work knowing that it was going to be a a long day and hoping that it’ll “only” overrun by a few hours… but we deal with real life and people, and so I would stay and support the families who needed it most.
Whew. what a time! Thankfully the hard work paid off (in my workplace at least), but now the energy and hopeful vibes were slowly being sucked from people. With the ease of the 1st lockdown and the aftermath of the “eat out to help out” scheme, there were talks of another possible lockdown in winter and by then we’d all had enough.
Winter nights came, more bad news, more strains, and another lockdown. This time it meant that the gyms would be closed and the cold and dark nights meant that exercise was a myth. Where a break had allowed us to breathe and take in nature, with winter on the way and increase with flu season, things didn’t seem hopeful.
We were told this lockdown would last a month so that we could enjoy Christmas. I was dubious but it was something to hold on to. In fairness it did last a month or so but alas, a few weeks later (and the start of the tier system), we entered lockdown again just after Christmas and we’ve remained in lockdown ever since. * sigh *
One year later and we still don’t know how long this lockdown life will (truly) last, but I can say we’ve adapted to this new life. Whether or not Boris continues to feed us with more false promises is another story, but for now, we have to sit tight, wait, and hope for the best. Today it was announced that WFH may become a permanent thing, so who knows what this new life will look like.
Though the start of lockdown was challenging, the stresses have eased, systems are in place and we’ve been able to access those who would have otherwise been unaccessible pre-covid. There are things that may not ever return and honestly, I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing either. The way we lived before was very unsanitary when you think about it and this pandemic has shown the strengths of a digital world.
Whilst we wait for our future freedom, may I take this moment to think about the positives that have come from these lockdowns:
I became a better me. Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I was broken down but I’ve managed to build myself up, work on my flaws, overcome past traumas, and change my life for better. Admittedly, the final kick to my change happened at the end of last year and since then my faith has grown so strong, my health is much better and I’ve managed to get back in shape (for the second time this lockdown) and faster than I had achieved in the gym. Yes, it was tough, but I wouldn’t be where I am if life didn’t challenge me last year.
I value people more. If there’s something this lockdown has shown us, it’s that life is short and relationships with individuals are so important. I’ve become softer in my relationships and outwardly show more love. I value the presence of my friends and family even more and I let everyone know how much they mean to me as often as I can. I saw a lot of loss first-hand last year. Some that were simply unfortunate. I witnessed a lot of young losses which just highlighted the importance of taking time out to value those in the present.
I learned new skills. I’ve learned to code (with a certificate!), cook more, fix more, and so many bizarre things such as sugar waxing. I have taken risks, tried new things, and feared less about looking bad. I’ve managed to read more and become dedicated to learning languages. I’ve researched more, had more fulfilling conversations and realigned my thinking for productive and positive outcomes.
You don’t need the gym - or even equipment. Lockdown workouts, daily walks, outside cycling, running and rollerskating. Whatever your choice of exercise, you really don’t need all the fancy stuff. You’ll still get to where you want as long as you’re dedicated and consistent.
I am stronger than I ever imagined. I know I’ve said it in previous blogs but I really am. I used to be strong in hiding my pain, strong with perseverance, strong in resilience but that strong had to go to make way for this new strength. I used that strength to face my issues. Used that strength to bounce back when I was deep rock bottom. Used that strength when I was in fear and turned it into a strength that sustains, not survives. This new strength is one that is vulnerable yet powerful. A strength that will take me to places it couldn’t before. This strength overcame so much and it’s a strength that fuels me daily. No-one talks about the strength in breaking, but it’s a strength that made everything change forever. I am never turning back.
Love first. Need I say more?
Summer is that you? I can’t wait to run to you!
Liz x