What will you take from lockdown?

Back in March, the UK was put on full lockdown and the whole world was forced to a grinding halt. I’m writing this on day 67 of lockdown and restrictions are slowly to starting to ease, with groups of six able to meet up in gardens from Monday onwards. Admittedly, it’s only permitted and not advised. But in the same breath, something so small and simple – something we once all took for granted – has sent waves of excitement and anticipation across the whole of the country.

The number of times over the last few months that I’ve said, “All I want is to have a cup of tea with my mum.” I’m sure many of you have felt the same. Whether that’s a hug from a grandparent, a catch-up with a friend or the fear that you’re missing out on so many ordinary moments.

Moments that can easily so be missed or taken for granted, but actually they’re the same ones that mean the world.

As human beings we are pretty resilient, and I think we often surprise ourselves with how strong we are. But I also think we’re gradually learning that it’s okay not to be okay. I’ve said to so many friends during lockdown that it’s fine to have a bad day, in fact – you’ve almost got to. Ride the waves, take them in your stride and know that the feeling won’t last forever.

Lockdown has been a life-changing, often difficult and sometimes inspiring time for us all to navigate our way through. It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime event and it’ll go down in history, with people across the world telling stories to loved ones for years to come. It’s a weird feeling isn’t it? So much has happened during these last couple of months, but at the same time, not a lot has. And of course, we’ve not even come out of the other side, but I know for myself and so many others around me, it’s changed my outlook.

I recently asked my friends and family what they’d take from lockdown and the comments were incredible. One woman acknowledged the fact that it had taught her so much more about herself – giving her the opportunity to step back, reflect and change her behaviours. Would that ever have happened if it wasn’t for lockdown?

We all found a new love and respect for Zoom… And two months later we’ve now all found a new hatred for Zoom. In fact, I never want to do another quiz again and I can’t tell you how I’ll react if one more person asks, “How many miles is the Great Wall of China?”. The worst part is, I still don’t know the answer.

Some people have mastered the art of banana bread, while others have discovered they’re pretty great at devouring a pack of hob nobs in record time (guilty). We’ve involuntarily been made to do things we usually wouldn’t want to do, such as exercising – OUTSIDE. Who would have thought?! Guess what… It’s not even that bad, is it really? I think I can speak for everyone, it’s impressive how many Netflix seasons you can binge watch in one sitting. No challenge is too big! Finally, I think this has made us all realise that none of us actually had any idea how far two metres apart was.

People that once upon a time lived next door to each other have actually become neighbours, while streets have adapted to become communities and towns have worked together to get through this. Whether you’ve been furloughed, you’re a key worker or you’ve been home schooling your children, lockdown has taught life lessons to people of all ages – no one is an exception within this situation.

For many, lockdown has taught us the art of being alone, without feeling loneliness. I personally have thought so many times that lockdown has wasted so much precious time, but it’s also taught to me savour and cherish our time – each second that ticks by on the clock is worth more than anything.

Time has been a funny thing during lockdown, with hundreds of thousands of people missing their loved ones, while others have been given the gift of time. One friend has said to me that, “not working 40+ hours a week has easily been replaced and rewarded with precious time appreciating life and children more than ever.” With nowhere to go and nothing to do, many of us have slowed down. I don’t think we realised how fast paced life once was – did we know what we were missing out on? For some, it’s made us stand back and evaluate what we want from life.

Lockdown has without a doubt, reinforced how lucky we are, even if we don’t have a huge amount to show for it. Our families, our friends, the NHS, our incredible key workers – each and every one of you who have played a part in keeping the world ticking by, ensuring everyone is safe. That’s something special, isn’t it?

It’s taken one invisible, microscopic virus, to transform the world. It’s reminded us that life is not forever, but it is precious. And loss – whatever that may be to you – reminds us of what we love. Freedom should never be taken for granted, health is worth more than anything and love really is everything.

It’s a bit like that saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Apart from the fact that we do. But sometimes, we just need reminding.