Reflecting on our lockdown silver linings. As we start to make our way slowly and clumsily out of lockdown, like an animal leaving its cave after hibernation, blinking into the bright sunshine, I have had two weeks of the children in school which has given me some chance to reflect on the entire experience and my feelings about it.
Just a few lockdown silver linings
I will say that for us, although very very tough at times, it hasn’t been a bad experience, we are incredibly fortunate that we had enough food, a garden and beautiful countryside to walk to. These are my silver linings.
More appreciation for nature
I was brought up in the countryside and spent many hours outside. I’m pretty good at naming wildflowers and trees, identifying birds and spotting animals and this time has really given me a chance to pass that on to my children. When you don’t have anywhere else to be, it’s very easy to spend half an hour watching a fat bumblebee buzzing around from flower to flower, drunk on nectar.
Eating meals together
To be honest, we usually eat dinner together anyway, but to have 3 meals a day with the children, every day, for 16 weeks was an experience for me. (I know this is a silver linings post so I won’t start moaning about the sheer boredom of having to think of dinner every night!)
Reading more books
I really hadn’t read anything for me for years. I am so busy usually, the blog takes up a huge chunk of my time, especially the social media side of it. (instagram I’m looking at you!) and then all the time in the car, driving the kids everywhere! This lockdown I’ve had a chance to read for pleasure again and discovered a new genre of books, as I felt disconnected to everything on my shelves. It also means I can have a good book clear out and try and declutter somewhat.
An appreciation for the little things
I am genuinely excited to pop to the supermarket now. And doing the simplest of things is exciting and something I won’t take for granted again! A delivery company reopening, a box of brownies, a note from a friend. Everything has become so much more special. And imagine how we felt when we were invited to Warwick Castle just before it reopened to see the measures in place!
Finding new suppliers
I honestly don’t know how all these amazing people have been so quick and resourceful. We have found some incredible new suppliers for all manner of things (here are a few we found in Cheltenham) and it feels really good to be supporting a local economy and giving something back to the area that we live in.
A new business
Lockdown has given Emma and I the drive to put our plans into action and we have spent long hours creating a business to help others utilise the online presence power of a blog on their website. Top Blog Coaching was created by both of us having determination, strength of mind, working around the children, getting up at 5 to build the website and writing content at midnight some days. We have clients already and it feels amazing to have something very positive rise from the trauma of the last few months.
Discovering our local area
I’m seeing so many people post about this as one of their lockdown silver linings and it’s so true, we have kept to our local area for walks and have discovered a whole wealth of things to do with the kids right on our doorstep. I’m sharing our walks on instagram and by following others locally, finding the most incredible spots to share!
A greater appreciation for my parents
Dave still had to work 6 days a week and with heightened anxiety for our eldest, it’s not been easy. Luckily my parents live close by and taking them food and that chat across the threshold kept me going. As lockdown eased they built the kids’ old trampoline in their garden for them and it meant we could go somewhere different and burn off some of that nervous energy. Never have I been so appreciative of them, and grateful that everyone I love has, touch wood, been safe and well throughout this nightmare.
And so that’s it, just a few of my lockdown silver linings, because it really hasn’t been that bad at all, I’m incredibly aware that we are in a very privileged position and don’t ever take that for granted. If you are finding things difficult, reach out for support to one of the helplines listed here. I was tagged a ridiculously long time ago to do this by Sarah from Boo, Roo and Tigger Too.
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