Last year, I had what I now realise was the privilege of travelling, going to concerts and the theatre. Of getting on a train without thinking about it, arranging to meet a friend, going bowling, popping into town just because I could. Had I known then what would be coming the following year, would I have appreciated them even more than I did at the time? 
Looking at the pictures, especially of the concert, it seems unfathomable how that was a) only a year ago, and b) it will be a long time before an event like that will happen again. Travel is up in the air still for a while, and theatres look unlikely to resume anytime soon.
There's not a tremendous amount of positives from being in lockdown- I've had to delay a house move, can't hug my friends, can't date (even though I wasn't actively looking anyway), my friend has lost her job and holidays have been cancelled. However I am safe, healthy, as is my Mum and family. I can still work in a safe environment and I am not alone. Holidays can be rescheduled and some restrictions are starting to be lifted.
Maybe in the future, some 'good' will come out of the pandemic... Will people start working from home more and therefore get a better work/life balance? Will the real key workers start getting the recognition they deserve rather than celebrities and influencers?
Until then, I'm trying to find little consolations and positives that can become the 'new normal' as keeps being talked about:
1. I can still work: I'm fortunate that I love my job, and even more fortunate that I can continue working during the current time. I have had to adapt like a lot of people, but if anything I like the adaptations more than my previous job set-up. My friend has been made redundant so I feel guilty being able to work and even though I'm actually working longer hours than I previously was, I relish (nearly) every second.
2. I appreciate my time off: Currently I'm working 9-5 everyday except Saturday afternoon and all of Sunday whereas usually I would work 3.30-7.30 Monday to Friday and all day Saturday meaning I had a lot more time off during the day. However now I'm learning to appreciate little bubbles of spare time. Usually during the day I would be finding things to try to be busy, but now I'm taking time to read a book, sit in the garden, or even watch Youtube, a film or listen to music.
3.Wearing all my clothes: It seems shallow but I'm wearing a lot more of my clothes. Beforehand I would avoid 'nice outfits' as going to work or into town didn't seem justifiable to wear them so I would stick to jeans, leggings and a jumper. I have rediscovered maxi dresses, jumpsuits and dresses I would usually reserve for a holiday or a 'posh' meal out. Do I look stupid? Maybe? But I'm not seeing anyone so who cares what I look like?
4.Hairdressers are saints: I've never been a hairdresser addict, however having had a few more inches than requested lopped off my hair by my mum, I have a new found respect for their skills.
5. Am I considered selfish if I admit it? I've always cared about other people, however I cannot deny the situation has highlighted how much I don't take personal disruption well. (Look at the amount of times I've used the word 'I' in this post.) I understand people are dying, have lost their jobs, are lonely and having mental health worries. However, I'm annoyed my house move has had so many problems because of the lockdown and that my holidays that I've worked hard to pay for are probably going to be cancelled. In the grand scheme of things, my problems are minor and can be rescheduled- however I've waited so long for these things, and was so close to them happening, I feel a mixture of annoyance of them being affected but also selfish at thinking about me.
Who knows how long the current situation will continue and what other disruptions may occur. The thought of being able to mooch round the shops normally, go out for dinner or even just have friends over still seems a long way off, so more 'new normals' may need to come to light. Whether they are positive new changes, or more selfish behaviours, the 'new normal' is a phrase that seems like it's going to be around for a long time.
Comments
Post a Comment