Coming Out Of Lockdown
We have all been riding the roller coaster of Lockdown for months and it has impacted and challenged us in many different ways. This global pandemic has been a strange, interesting and testing time. At the start of lockdown, I shared a post on my personal Instagram saying it felt like a huge pause button had been pressed on the world. That statement still stands. This forced “reboot” has given me time to pause and wake up to reality. Situations in my private life that needed to be addressed have risen to the surface for unpacking. Whilst this has brought its difficulties, I am now coming out the other side with some positive plans for the future that I feel excited about. What have I learned from Lockdown?
1. I can still write my own story
Near the beginning of lockdown, my relationship with my son’s father ended and we had no choice but to live together due to restrictions. This might sound like a logistical nightmare, but, in actual fact it’s given us time to think about things rationally, carefully and there is still a sense of support and friendship between us. Yes, of course there has been challenges, nothing is ever plain sailing but this time has enabled us to communicate about changes positively and plan how to best raise our son, reaching an agreement we are all happy with. The extended time in my current home has allowed me to consider where I’d like to put my roots down. There have been more days than not when I have felt frustrated about my lack of freedom to move, but on the flip side, I have been able to visualise my new home and I know what I want. This time has allowed me to plan and not rush important decisions about the future. As the housing market re opens, it feels like my plans are now coming to fruition. In February, I completed my Shamanic Practitioner Training. The time in lockdown has allowed me to really think about the essence of what I’m offering and I’m launching a new project and website as soon as it’s safe to see people indoors.
2. I am diverse
Yes, I am. I’ve previously had self limiting beliefs about technology. I have also felt a bit “awkward” about being in front of a camera. However, when lockdown was forced upon us, we had no choice but to move our whole business online and I have learned a new skill set. It feels exciting to have this new strand to Studio 70 and I’m sure that our online presence will continue, even when we re-open our doors.
3. The Power of Gratitude
The meaning and practice of gratitude has a whole new layer of depth to me. I took the fact that I could see friends and family whenever I wanted for granted. My son and I could access the activities we enjoy without restriction. Sometimes I felt bored having these routines and going to the same places which I now miss so much. I have friends who live in other cities and countries with whom I don’t speak to for long periods. During lockdown, I have maintained regular contact with them and I will continue to do so. Getting caught up in the busyness of life is no excuse! The enormity of this situation has also made me feel grateful to have connection with others and although I haven’t seen anyone for a cuddle for so long, I feel supported and loved. Team work and solidarity have also been key and I have felt a tremendous amount of warmth and support from colleagues and the amazing community at Studio 70. Aren’t we lucky to be able to still practice together online? And in a way I feel grateful for this pause. It has facilitated time and space for personal growth. Growth can be an uncomfortable and painful process, but we need to step out of our comfort zone if we want to get to where we want to be.