I’m Missing the Lock Down

Summary

The author reflects on the unexpected positive aspects of the pandemic lockdown, appreciating the personal growth and stronger relationships developed during that time, and expresses a commitment to maintaining this heightened awareness in the post-lockdown world.

Abstract

The author shares a personal perspective on the pandemic lockdown, acknowledging the initial struggles and the subsequent adaptation to a more relaxed lifestyle at home. This period provided the opportunity to deepen the relationship with their spouse, prompt self-reflection, and re-evaluate life choices. With a hybrid work schedule now in place, the author observes others returning to pre-pandemic habits, yet remains determined to carry forward the insights gained and avoid falling back into an unthinking routine. The author likens the collective awakening from the pandemic to taking the red pill in "The Matrix" movie, signifying an irreversible awareness of reality. The piece concludes with a contemplative question about the use of this newfound knowledge and a personal commitment to stay awake and present in life.

Opinions

The author found working from home to be less stressful and more conducive to a better work-life balance.
Time spent with family, particularly the author's spouse, was cherished, leading to a stronger and more loving relationship.
The lockdown provided a pause that allowed for deep personal reflection and the realization that life was previously being lived on autopilot.
There is a concern that society is quickly reverting to old, potentially unhealthy habits, ignoring the lessons learned during the lockdown.
The pandemic has served as a wake-up call, offering a glimpse into the truth of life, which the author feels is a valuable and irreversible insight.
The author is adamant about not returning to a lifestyle devoid of mindfulness and personal engagement, advocating for the integration of the pandemic's lessons into daily life.

But only the good parts :)

Now that things are slowly getting back to the new normal, I find myself looking backwards and missing my pandemic lock down time at home.

Yeah, I never thought I’d say that :)

Oh, there was plenty to hate back then. You all know how it was, so I’m not going to rehash that.

At first I was angry, then resigned, but over time I slowly came to like it — even enjoy it.

I learned a lot about myself.

I was more relaxed working at home away from the office. My stress level went way down.

I got to spend more time with my husband and enjoy having a morning cup of coffee together or him offering to make me lunch.

I realized that I spent more time with my co-workers than I did with my husband. I don’t ever want to go back to that.

Our relationship became stronger and more loving. We appreciate each other more. And after over 43 years of marriage that’s saying something!

I woke up from sleepwalking mode and had time to think.

I also realized I was sleepwalking through my life without much time to reflect on where I was going and why. It was just get up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, watch TV and go to bed.

In the early days of lock down, I had more time on my hands than I ever had since I was a child. And it gave me the truly wonderful gift of seeing clearly where I was and what was working and not working in my life.

Moving forward one day at a time.

I’m now working a hybrid schedule — some at home and some at the office. It’s working OK for me for now. But I notice that other people around me are starting to revert to their old ways.

Driving too fast, working too much, and doing things to distract themselves so they don’t have to think too much.

Trying to forget it all.

But the new normal is different from the old normal, which is never coming back. We all received a big wake up call during the pandemic. We all saw reality close up — some of it good and some bad.

Like Neo in The Matrix movie, we have taken the red pill and we have glimpsed the truth. We are all awake now.

The real question for you to consider is — how do you use this new knowledge?

For me, I know I’m never going back to sleepwalking mode ever again.

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I’m Missing the Pandemic Lock Down

But only the good parts :)

I learned a lot about myself.

I woke up from sleepwalking mode and had time to think.

Moving forward one day at a time.