As the UK begins to slowly adjust to a “new normal”, with lockdown carefully being eased in some areas, I reflected on the lessons we’ve learnt during these last couple of months.
It is no secret that these unprecedented times have had a huge impact on all areas of life. But it’s also important to remember the positive outcomes, and the lessons we learnt whilst isolated from the outside world.
Lockdown has taught us to be thankful for the key and essential workers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe. The nationwide “clap for carers” is just one way that we have shown our gratitude for our National Health Service. A video of young paramedic, Taylor Porter, went viral after it showed her entire street showering her with applauses of appreciation as she left for a night shift. There is no doubt that we will remember the sacrifices made by our NHS staff for years to come, and our newly found appreciation for other key workers will continue to shine through.
Lockdown has taught us to never take anything for granted and showed us the importance of time. We’ve all had to make sacrifices, however big or small. We’ve missed out on family events, holidays, seeing friends, making memories, doing what we love etc. Lockdown has also taught us to be patient. When the time is right, we can return to doing what we love and we will never take any of it for granted.
Lockdown has taught us to value the power of social media and modern technology. Without social media and other forms of digital communication, staying in touch with our loved ones would have been near impossible. For many people, a zoom quiz night with friends has been the highlight of their week and something to look forward too. We’ve learnt that it is possible to maintain relationships and connections via modern technology and that’s a lesson which we can all take into life post-Covid19.
Lockdown has taught us to be kinder and more generous to society. For example, the whole nation is aware of Sir Captain Tom Moore who raised over an incredible £32 million for NHS Charities Together. His remarkable charity fundraising inspired so many other people such as 6 year old Frank Mills. Mills has spina bifida and struggles to walk short distances yet he decided to challenge himself to raise £99 (to match Sir Captain Tom Moore’s age) by walking 10 metres a day. He has now raised over £70,000!
The acts of charity and kindness that we have seen during this pandemic have reaffirmed the goodness of humankind. I am hopeful that the kindness and generosity of our nation will continue as we start to re-establish our society.
I spoke to contributors and readers of Empoword Journalism to see what lessons they’ve learnt during the lockdown.
Nevie G-F – Lockdown has taught me to take a more proactive role with my career. I’ve been able to spend more time learning and taking advice. From this it’s taught me that I need to put myself out there and take an active role in finding opportunities instead of thinking that they would find me.
April Lloyd – As trite as it may sound, lockdown has taught me how to look after myself, appreciate my strengths, and how to take the opportunities that come knocking. It’s given me a chance to explore what makes me tick, appreciate the little moments, and how to keep going – even when I feel like throwing the towel. This chapter of history has given me an opportunity to grow, and I will never forget it.
Orla McAndrew – Lockdown has taught me what is really important to me. Before lockdown I was only really focused on my A-levels. They have finished now and I have realised that I am more active than I thought but also a lot less introverted than I thought. Most importantly lockdown has taught me never to take anything for granted again.
Madeleine Raine – Lockdown has taught me that I need to take a breather from life and slow down. Everything was so fast paced for me with uni, work, extra curriculars and socialising, that the only “me” time I got was in the shower.
Despite the huge losses that covid-19 and lockdown have given us, there are positives to look out for. We are living in the middle of a tragic historic event, so we should all be a little kinder to ourselves and those around us.
Take some time to reflect on what lockdown has taught you.
Holly Hostettler-Davies
Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.