Our Girl in Zurich

I started to lose track of days, weeks and months a while ago. I don’t know when the current crisis will be over and things will be back to normal. Although what we knew to be normal might be something different in the future. I’ve been thinking recently about what positive things have happened since lockdown was introduced. Because there are definitely some.

Here is a list I put together of things I’ve been grateful for which I definitely wouldn’t be if there was no coronavirus:

1. I’ve realised how stressful I find travelling on public transport. It’s very reliable and clean but trains in the morning and evening are packed with noisy, rude people who reserve seats with their bags and play music too loud so everyone in the carriage can hear it. People have video calls without using headphones which is so inconsiderate. I hate listening to someone wittering on to a relative when I’m trying to read my book in peace. I’ve been so grateful to have no commute (more time in bed for one) but I feel relatively calm when I sit down to work rather than feeling harrassed.
2. I’ve spoken to my niece and nephew more over the past few months than the rest of their lives put together. I’ve been doing ‘lessons’ with my friend on most weekdays which I would like to think we both enjoy. I’ve also spoken more with my brother and mum as well. We have weekly family quizzes which are so funny they should be televised.
3. I have also had contact with friends who I’ve not seen or heard from in a long time. With not being able to go out, I’ve finally found the time to give them a call or write to them. These are things I’ve overlooked and taken for granted for a long time. It’s starting to redress the balance a bit.
4. I’ve been able to bring some projects forward. For instance, I’ve started writing a novel. I’m probably about 40% of the way into the first draft. This is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember but neither never got round to it or started it and soon given up. I’ve learnt from my previous mistakes and feel like I’m making real progress. In the time I would have spent commuting I have been able to invest time into my writing project. Fingers crossed the first draft will be ready by the end of May.
5. I’ve been taking photos every day since the start of lockdown as a record of what I have been doing during this time. It’s a good way to see that it hasn’t been so bad even though I’ve been stuck inside most of the time. I’m not sure when to finish the project. I might start taking one photo a week until things are back to normal.
6. My drama classes have moved online which has been great fun. I’ve met some new people in a virtual sense and learn a lot. I’ve also been able to use some of the exercises and activities in my writing. My drama teacher is hoping to put on a performance of the pieces we have created live when it’s possible to which would be very cool.

I could probably go on and go about the positives. I think there are a lot of them if you look hard enough but I know not every one feels the same. I quite like pottering around the house, reading, starting projects that I have been meaning to for ages and I like not having to think up excuses of why I don’t want to go somewhere or do something. No one is doing anything at the moment so I don’t get any invitations!

Wherever you are stay safe and try to find some positives, no matter how small they seem to be.

Tags: coronavirus, good things, lockdown, positives, reflections, Thoughts