The past months have been strange, difficult, and challenging for most of us. Certainly, I’ve never experienced so many highs and lows in such a relatively short amount of time. Looking back there are some things which remain really clear; the eerily empty roads, the challenges of shopping, long discussions on the phone with family and friends, the uncertainty and sleepless nights. Others have faded from my memory, and there are some things I wish I’d know at the beginning of all of this:

1: Food still had calories; why did I eat the biscuits, chocolate and cake? How could I possibly imagine that calorific intake was also in lockdown? It’s now locked down on my hips and taking ages to shift.

2: Creating a home office is emotional; I had to disassemble my daughter’s bedroom, she is 30 and left home about 6 years ago. But the change had a bigger impact on me than I expected, those who know me won’t be surprised that a few tears were shed.

3: Creating a home office is fun; really exciting choosing ‘officey’ wallpaper, stationary, files, finding an angle poise lamp and generally setting up and organising my workspace. Big thanks to my pal for not only transporting my desk in his car but also reassembling it for me! 

4: Isolation is tough; isolation is a word I use quite a lot in a work context but never really thought about it on a personal level. I am used to being on my own, alone, but isolation is very different. Really made me think about how as humans we need other people; to talk to, touch, hug, hold, and just connect with. 

5: People matter; I did know this before but I’ve reconnected with lots of people, shared silly text messages, spent time chatting on the phone, using virtual platforms to say ‘hello, how you doing.’ 

6: It is possible to remain Well Connected; creating links and partnerships is something I really enjoy doing. The skill in making a connection into a partnership requires trust, honesty, and authenticity. Words which are simple to say but to action? Now that’s the hard part, and where our individual attitudes, behaviours and values come into focus.

COVID-19 continues to challenge us. But perhaps it’s worth taking a moment to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped and supported us, as individuals, families, neighbourhoods, and communities. And be proud of the things we know now that we didn’t know then!

Wendy Smith MBE