We are all excited about the lifting of lockdown; err, aren’t we?
Easing of restrictions is the goal everyone seems to be aiming for right now. Hoping, waiting, connecting us in our journey through the Covid Age. Many rest patiently; others are frustrated, on hold angrily, vocally. Despite our differences, we are all in this together.
Regardless of our views on the validity of lockdown, most people I have spoken with have found some good in this trying time.
Personally, I found many positive things, that boosted our wellbeing during isolation these past 3 months, some of which I intend to keep forever. These are:
- Early morning yoga and meditation on the deck, watching the birds and aquatic life put on a show.
- Coffee break in the kitchen, that coincides with B’s breakfast, and sometime results in our best conversations.
- Sketching with nothing more than a pencil and piece of paper. It reminds me how little we really need.
- Riding my bicycle, listening to new music, watching the land crabs scuttle into their holes as I cycle past.
- Watching the evening sky change colour, in a new unique way, every time the sun sets.
- Calling my parents. Regularly. For an update on British weather, British news and the flowers currently in bloom in their garden.
- Buying weekly produce from the local farmers.
- Writing this journal.
- Realising that I already have enough; I don’t need more; and the importance of human connections.
Things I have regrettably dropped recently, but will work hard to regain:
- My streak of Spanish classes on Duolingo
- Walks on the beach with D, counting starfish and stingrays along the shoreline.
- Coffee and chat with friends on Zoom.
- Boardgames and poker
- Hide-and-seek in the dark
- Happy hour sessions with friends and cocktails on Zoom
- Baking sessions with A
- Reading articles on Flipboard as the sun rises.
- Growing new vegetables in the garden
- Catching up on global news in more detail than just the headlines.
- Long chats with A about cat behaviour, friends, boys and other animals.
- Glass of wine in the evening, regardless of the day of the week.
- Forgetting what day of the week it is.
- Not caring two hoots about the state of my wrinkles, hair and nails.
Dare I say it? I almost miss having life on hold. I can’t be alone in this can I? To find out, I asked others about their positive takeaways from lockdown.
One successful real estate agent and business owner, accustomed to 7am meetings before Covid, explained that during quarantine he started exercising every morning, and now that restrictions are lifting, has vowed to continue, and not start work until 10am. He says he has never felt fitter or more relaxed.
A well-known local photographer, has been bonding with her teenage daughter, slowed down, stopped shouting, and started a new project: a photographic book.
A lawyer, who before covid was accustomed to long office hours dressed in chinos and striped shirts, said it’s been the best time of his life. He still gets all his work done, sees much more of his family, has time for creative pursuits such as painting, and wears whatever the hell he likes. (I didn’t ask for specifics)
A yoga teacher, who owns a holiday rental nearby, has been enjoying the access to her beachside cottage now that the tourists are gone. “Life is good!” She says, as her naked two-year-old blissfully waddles down the centre of the deserted road, “Most of the time!”
I know several families who have recently adopted kittens, a puppy or an old rescue dog, and are thrilled that they finally have the time for this long awaited moment.
“It’s telling, isn’t it?” Says D. “Here we are, easing into relaxed restrictions, and we’re kind of missing so many elements of quarantine.”
“So, what does that tell us, exactly?” I ask.
D shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe we’re ready?”
Ready for what? I think. I don’t feel ready at all.
