I dont want lockdown to end
I DONT WANT LOCKDOWN TO END
Its been over 3 months since the UK went into lockdown due to the global pandemic. I remember the week it happened, as it was the week of my birthday and all plans had to be cancelled. I was sad I had to give up my plans, some of them had been made months in advance, but I was also filled with guilt for feeling so selfish when so many people were dying of COVID-19.
Life slowed overnight for everyone. People stopped going to work. Everything closed. Travel shut down.
The first few weeks, I lived in fear that I would accidentally infect someone, and they would die. I even had to take a few days of work as I was sure my whole family had it and I didn’t want to spread it. We were fine, of course, Not even a sniffle but I had convinced myself we were all sick.
At first, the idea of being stuck inside with my family had me reaching for the wine. Still, as the weeks passed by, I realised I actually enjoy this new life and routine we have carved out. It seems to fit our family life bar home-schooling (nobody has had time for that!)
I DONT WANT LOCKDOWN TO END
Staying at home has become the new normal. Our family has started playing board games and puzzles, gardening, baking and other pursuits with our newfound time we otherwise would have shunned.
My husband doesn’t have to leave the house before the sun comes up, I have enjoyed many a lie in (7am) and help with breakfast and getting the children dressed and cleaned. He’s at home before we go to bed and can help with feeding time at the zoo and bath/bedtime. I have had an extra pair of hands to help with the day to day overwhelming household routine.
I have been running most days, something I couldn’t go before due to lack of childcare at home. Its been fantastic for my mental health and I don’t want to stop. I enjoy long, leisure strolls with the kids. Finding, exploring, learning more because we don’t have to rush off and fit our life into a timetable of activities.
My step count went from 5,000 to 20,000 plus. I was getting a tan from sitting in the garden. I started looking better. I felt freer. I felt good.
I used to go shopping daily or browse before work and buy a sh*t ton of clothes/ toys/tatt for myself and the kids just because. I have not done that for three months, and I feel more in control, my finances are healthier, and have de-cluttered the house. My house is more of a haven that it’s ever been.
I DONT WANT LOCKDOWN TO END
Before lockdown, my life was defined by speed. Rushing around, living being at rocket pace was my norm. Keeping up with work and family responsibilities, social obligations (very few) and the latest keeping up to date on the world trends was a never-ending feat.
Many people are now noticing their go-fast lifestyles and habits are just that. Fast-paced, autopilot behaviours they do for the sake of doing rather than for the purpose of being.
So have a think, before COVID-19 does one: stop, review your habits, and ask this one simple question: Could I do without this?
I will miss my slow pace of lockdown life. I have been lucky; COVID did not hit us. I am in a privileged position to view this time positively. My typical day to day worries was put aside for a while. The morning alarm will have to be reset soon, and decisions for what happens next need to be made. Going back will be challenging, but it is probably about time.
I DONT WANT LOCKDOWN TO END
I’m happy sitting in my own company, and I’m entirely comfortable. I have enjoyed the slower pace; it gave me a chance to reconnect with myself. I’m coming out of lockdown surer of myself, more rested and far less anxious. I know who my friends are. I’m also fully aware of the many sacrifices people have made, overall, it has been a definite time for me.
No doubt some habits will creep back in—they always do—but I for one will be more mindful of why I do things, buy things, and go places now that I have been roadblocked by this pandemic.
Now that I know I don’t need to do the deed, buy the thing, or go to the place, I can just sit at my window and be.
I DONT WANT LOCKDOWN TO END
More Fantastic articles HERE