As some of us begin to emerge from our lockdown bubbles, I'm guessing there's not a single person out there who hasn't reflected on their lives more than ever over recent months.
So, I thought I might put down on paper, and share, just a few of my own lockdown thoughts, lessons, and affirmations - some more significant and poignant than others, but all undoubtedly provoked or awakened by these unprecedented and surreal times.
1. Solitude suits me: Whilst I enjoy a friendly gathering and a good old natter as much as the next person, I've noticed that in comparison with others I've spoken to during lockdown, I haven't missed social interaction or workplace bants nearly as much as I thought I might. Maybe certain life experiences have somehow prepared me to convert separation into a positive state of being, allowing time for contemplation, self-examination, reflection and growth - or maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old loner! Either way, lockdown has certainly affirmed for me that not only am I completely comfortable with just myself for company every so often, but that increased time alone has had a noticeable positive impact on my overall well-being and state of mind.
2. The importance of gratitude: Of course solitude is very different to loneliness, and being alone is easier to embrace and enjoy when it's not constant. Whilst lockdown hasn't been a negative experience for me personally, I'm all too aware that for many it's been lonely and isolating. Let's face it, home isn't a safe haven for everyone, many have lost livelihoods or are struggling to keep afloat during these difficult times, and far more people have experienced ill-health and lost loved ones than any of us could have ever imagined. Covid has also served to remind us all of the ongoing and numerous inequalities many experience in every day life. I like to think gratitude is something I've always built into my daily thought process, but boy oh boy has this dreadful pandemic affirmed just how much I have to be grateful for.
3. Hairdressers work miracles: On a lighter note... how on earth have we all coped without our hairdressers? Some lockdown days I've looked in the mirror and quite literally haven't known whether to laugh or cry! My hair's pretty thick, and there's lots of it (something else to be grateful for I guess as the years roll on), however if it's not professionally thinned out, it grows into a shape that resembles a triangle... anyone remember Crystal Tipps and Alistair, well Crystal's my doppleganger (except my unruly barnet isn't purple, just increasingly grey!) My eventual and long-awaited return to the salon recently was something of a surreal experience (masks, screens, face shields, belongings in a bin liner... and worst of all, no drinks service!), but I was overjoyed and relieved to see the back of my silver highlights and ridiculous polygon styling - heartfelt thanks Chloe!
4. I love being at home: The Work from Home option isn't something my employers have really bought into in the past, insisting that we all need to attend the office in order to be efficient and productive... that is until the hand of lockdown descended upon us. So, having little choice in the matter, I've now been WfH since March and absolutely loving it. Productivity and efficiency has actually increased, IT systems haven't crashed and burned under the pressure as some had feared, and what's quite possibly of even more importance is that my work-life balance and overall sense of well-being has never been better. No commute, lunch breaks in the garden, Skype meetings in my PJs (obviously audio link only!), pets at my feet loving the company, and the simple freedom and flexibility to manage my work and home commitments in tandem. Obviously, like everyone, I'm hoping this damn Covid 19 will do one PDQ, but I have everything crossed that my WfH situation will continue for the foreseeable.
5. Technology is amazing: Having been around before the existence of the World Wide
Web, and remembering when duplicating and fax machines were considered state of
the art, even before lockdown I did of course completely appreciate how far
technology has brought us (she says with less than fond memories of manual
typewriters and correction fluid!)
I
have close family on the other side of the world, which does indeed pull at the
heart strings from time to time, but with the use of the fabulous technology
most of us are lucky enough to have at our fingertips, we can still communicate
and "see" one another - not quite the same as a full on bear hug, but
the next best thing in the circumstances.
Of
course technology has served us well for quite some time now, but I'm sure few would
disagree that it's usefulness has been on another level during lockdown,
especially in combating isolation and improving safety. I mean, who hasn't
enjoyed the occasional Zoom "Pub" Quiz and Virtual
"Charity" Concert, and of course the eagerly awaited cutting edge
Test and Trace App that was going to save the day... erm, maybe best not go
into that!
Even those who were perhaps a little reluctant to embrace technology pre Covid have joined in (seriously, who knew how much fun "scan as you go" shopping could be?) and that most of it's not that scary or difficult to learn. I think we've all realised, if we didn't before, that yes there can be a dark and dangerous side to technology in the wrong hands, but what a positive impact it can have when used responsibly.
------------------------------------------
So, in conclusion...
When faced with difficulty, it's sometimes hard to see light at the end of the tunnel (particular thoughts go out here to everyone suffering the aftermath of the recent explosion in Beirut... last thing they needed), but one thing in life's for sure... nothing lasts forever! Good times, bad times, emotions, and even life itself, all have a beginning and an end of some sort - let's hope Covid meets it's end sometime very soon.
There's a Japanese term "Mono no Aware" (for which I don't think there's an exact translation... perhaps you can correct me if I'm wrong), but it relates to having empathy around ephemera, an awareness of impermanence, and an understanding that everything in existence is temporary.
All the more reason I'd say to try and look for positive lessons in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, however dreadful they may seem at the time.
Stay safe and positive!
No comments:
Post a Comment