6 Lessons Learned in Lockdown

Having now been in the midst of Coronavirus tinged times for over 6 months and with an impending potential second wave on its way, I have been reflecting on how I have truly been through these crazy times. Of course, the potential total lack of income, the unknown and the fear have all taken their toll, but I do feel that I have come through 2020 with a little more self-awareness. Perhaps my lessons I have learned during lockdown will help you too?

SW Wedding Photography

I need culture!

How much have we all missed live music, theatre, street performers, everything that makes our hearts and minds come alive? While I have seen many amazing performances online during lockdown, nothing really beats the thrill of seeing the orchestra assemble on stage, the dancers' costumes or the audience's anticipation building.

Watching the Last Night of the Proms in this the 125th Year of the BBC Proms, sans audience, was the most moving experience. It shows how vital and uniting live music is, whatever your preference on the type of music. 

Coffee is the best thing ever

I have loved coffee for years but I have discovered through lockdown that it doesn't need to always be a rushed cup in the morning at my desk. It can be the gateway to a few minutes sitting in quiet, reflecting on what's going on or enjoyed with friends in a cafe or at home. It can be a relaxing time in the day, not just a necessity but a joy.

I'm aware this is tea but the principles apply!

I am not alone

There is not denying that 2020 has thrown challenges at us left right and centre. But I have found so much comfort in knowing that we are all in this together. We are all responsible for whether the virus spreads or not and during lockdown this was more apparent than ever. I'm really hoping that we come out of this disaster of a year with a better sense of community, both small and big. 

I am a true creative

At first when lockdown hit, it was quite exciting to have so much admin to do (I'm a definite admin girl!) rearranging bookings, and supporting clients as they went through some traumatic changes to their wedding plans. Covid Classics started in late March and took on a life of its own but once the 100 days had passed, I realised just how much I miss performing for people. Being asked to perform at a wedding is a huge privilege for me and I take such pride in my performance. Having that taken away has affected me more than I expected. Creativity is just such a part of me and it's taken this time to acknowledge what a huge part of my life it is! 

Stella Kurek Photography

I am not a runner

I have lost count of the number of times I have tried a Couch to 5k app. Tried being the operative word, as I have never completed the 9 weeks of training. I think the furthest I got was week 6 and I was so bored by then. 

I started the program again in lockdown and found it equally dull. I am not competitive against myself at all (other people is a different story!) and just could not get into it at all.

So here it is, in black and white - I am not a runner! 

We are so adaptable

When we entered 2020 it felt like we were engulfed in a sense of hope. A new decade, a new year and Brexit looked like it would finally come to its end. 

Then the news started trickling in from China of this illness that was killing thousands of people. 

Then it spread to Europe, America and the UK. Then life changed.

But haven't we shown how amazing the human race is at adapting? This has been (to use an overused word) an unprecedented situation, fully of unimagineable ups and downs, obstacles and difficulties. But in the midst of a global pandemic, we have also discovered we have an amazing connection to each other through experiencing this situation together. Whether it's Joe Wicks workouts, online concerts, FaceTiming, Zoom quizzes or endless online meetings then we have been lucky to experience life through technology. It has been the most bizarre year and I have come out of it with incredible faith in human beings.

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