What Lockdown Taught Me

WHAT LOCKDOWN TAUGHT ME 

As me, my boyfriend, and some of my best friends welcomed in the new year at a local club, dressed up and enjoying ourselves, not one of us imagined that that in 3 months, doing just that would not be possible. Whilst the past 5 months have been filled with struggles, loss and grief, none of which can be overlooked, there are things that lockdown has taught me, many of which are overdue reminders of how lucky I am. For me, this has been a time of self-reflection and progression. 

1. You cannot take anything for granted

On the train back to Cardiff, I took for granted that I would be continuing to study in the city, going out with my friends, and finishing my first year of university. Aside from this, myself and my mum are tactile people and thus we hug friends and family every time we see them. Having to stand 2 metres back from my grandparents front door when dropping their shopping off, unable to hug them or comfort them during the difficult times has really taught me no to take anything for granted, no matter how small. As I write this, I still have not given either set of grandparents a hug, but I cannot wait until I am able to.

2. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, seize more opportunities

Having been in tight lockdown for at least 3 months, with no opportunities, no chances to see anyone or go anywhere has encouraged me to make the most of opportunities when they are presented. No matter how big or small. Simply driving to watch the sunset with my best friends or having a meal with my boyfriend are moments that I will always take up and appreciate. In addition, many of us are regretting saying no to nights out, whether that be at home or at uni and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. 

3. Learn to live with less

During the peak of the pandemic we all had to learn how to live with less. There wasn't always the food we wanted in the shops, we couldn't pop out each time we remembered something we needed. We had to adapt. Adapt the food we cooked, adapt our daily routine and adapt our mindsets. At the height of lockdown we learn to live with what only what we had access to as opposed to the abundance of choice and excess we have become accustomed to. Moving forward, we are now able to re-evaluate how we live and make choices that simplify our lives and teach us to live mindfully, not excessively.

4. To love myself and enjoy my own company 

Prior to lockdown, I was at uni and had fallen into some unhealthy habits and probably wasn't in the best mindset. Over the course of lockdown I have learnt how to view myself in a more positive light, with a focus on self-care and self-love in order to prepare myself for when life returns to the 'new normal'. Without being able to go and see the girls or my boyfriend, my own company became normal, despite living with my family. Sometimes you must spend time alone in order to appreciate not only others, but also yourself.

5. The people in my life are there for a reason

I am a firm believer that people come into your life for a reason, whether this is temporary or permanent. Having time away from the people who mean the most to you makes you appreciate them and their presence, allowing a realisation of what the bring into your life. Now that we are able to see others, it is my primary goal to make sure I surround myself with the people I missed the most.

6. We are lucky to have the NHS

During this time, I believe that all of us in Britain have a new found respect for our frontline workers, and our gratitude will never been shown to the extent that we feel it. There are not enough words to communicate how lucky we are to have the National Health Service. All frontline workers have been, and always will be, our hero's. 

7. Sometimes, technology can be what brings us together, rather that forcing us apart

In light, I think that we have all recognised that without technology, our ability to cope with not being able to leave the house and see others would have been hindered. For those of us that use social media and various modes of technology on a daily basis, communicating via these methods did not change. However, for those of the older generation, the ability to learn how to Facetime, Skype or message family members who they are unable to see face to face was invaluable.

8. Everyone is human and is fighting their own battle 

We are all human and each have our own struggles. Sometime we must remember that just because we do not perceive a struggle does not mean that it is not a struggle to another individual. I have learnt to have patience with others and not take their situations at face value, often there is more going on than we know.

9. Be other peoples positivity

Practicing positivity everyday wasn't exactly an easy feat during lockdown and I, for one, had many low points. With those individual in your life who mean a lot to you, occasions will arise that mean that one of you has to give more than the other and vise-versa. This is focused on balance. Being as positive as you can during hard times is not only going to encourage other to feel better, but naturally you will also feel better.

10. To fall back in love with things that I previously had little time for

Being a student, most of my time was focused on studying, partying or sleeping (and in that order), but coming into lockdown, I found that I had nothing but time on my hands. This time allowed me to focus on things such as music, reading and exercise. I found that each of these things helped me deal with the emotional rollercoaster that was lockdown and even just for an hour I had something to focus on.

11. To say yes to more - make the most of life

Since it was announced that we weren't allowed to leave our homes unless for essential reasons, many of us were reflecting on times that we had said no to opportunities and were now wishing we hadn't. Whilst I wholeheartedly agree in saying no when you really do not wish to go somewhere or do something, I also believe that there are time when we should force ourselves to say yes. To say yes to living our lives and enjoying it. 

Now that things are falling into a state of 'new normal', I think the lessons we have all learnt during lockdown should translate into our lives outside of our homes. We cannot continue to be selfish individuals, we must look after our home, our earth, and all those who inhabit it. If not, I believe that this is just the beginning of the consequences of our actions. 

Lockdown, and corona, have been a call for change. 

Love always, Annabelle Grace 

xox