Life is Good, Even in Lockdown

My answers to interview questions from Dipti Pande

Life in lockdown

What have you missed the most during this lockdown?

I miss being able to go out to socialize. I’m weird in that I like going out every so often, but also enjoy my “me” time. I do miss not being able to go out to a bar and just hanging out and talking to people. I’ve been meeting the need for human connection by being online here — there are a lot of great people here. So while I miss in-person connections, I’ve had made a lot of great mental ones during these days. What is the best thing about being in a lockdown?

I’m an extroverted introvert. I like meeting and interacting with people. but I do need time to re-charge and just be by myself. The lockdown makes it acceptable to just be in my apartment by myself without feeling like I’m anti-social. I have also been able to spend more time with my youngest son since he isn’t going to physical school — everything is online these days. It is fun to help him learn. What has been the worst thing about being in lockdown?

I have been impressed with people on a local level. I see people smiling and being nice to each other. The worst thing is that the pandemic has been politicized. It makes me realize our national executive leaders don’t have regular people’s interest at heart when it comes to the bottom line. I think we all had the suspicion from the hyper-individualist tone that comes from the top. But, it has come into focus with talk about sacrificing people for money. I am optimistic that others see this and this will this situation change soon as the would-be priests of human sacrifice will be fired in November. Who would you have liked to host in your home during the lockdown and why?

All of my Medium friends would be welcome! With masks and 6 feet social distancing, of course. 💗💗💗 What have you discovered about yourself in the lockdown? History is pretty routine for the most part. I hope we pull out of this without a “W” curve where the virus comes back. I am optimistic. I know things will change for the better. Every time there has been disaster, it brings people together. I also think like White Feather has written — this is a time where our earth will change from warlike competition to a more loving and cooperative model is in the future.

What did you eat (or drink) the most during the lockdown? I ate more homemade food and have eaten more baked goods since everyone has seemed like they want to bake cakes during this time. I have eaten take out food also to help restaurants in my area. I am going to go on a diet soon since I have been comfort eating. Apart from sleeping and working what activities did you undertake the most during the lockdown? I have been writing a lot on Medium. It has been really fun to watch the growth of Dr Mehmet Yildiz’s ILLUMINATION during this time. I have also had fun with a lot of the IdeaStream writing prompts at Xavier Van Holde’s The Bad Influence. I also built Publisher’s Spotlight and Unicorn Labs. Will you come out of lockdown heavier or lighter? Heavier. Our lockdown is ending soon, so I will have to ramp up my exercising again. I will continue to do the walking with my son and ex and avoid gyms and other crowded places. I know I’ll lose weight once I start keeping a food journal.

What resource has helped you the most during the lockdown?

Self-love. I know I can feel loved just by reaching out into the universe. I don’t have to worry about being alone by myself. I never feel isolated. What is your top tip for other people in lockdown right now?

Read and write. Writing makes me feel great. Reading does the same because it can take me out of my head. I like reading different things, so it’s nice to have the wealth of authors here. Also, connect with other people. We need that as humans. How has lockdown changed you?

I will probably wear a mask in public. It has actually been good because I’m about 1/2 year into my HRT now, so I’ve been able to socially distance myself during the awkward phases. I’m still not all the way through yet, but it is sort of nice to not have to worry about going out and looking glamorous. If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?

Weight information with an eye on the truth. Don’t “drink the bleach” offered by any “cult leader.” Wear a mask. People are mostly good. A couple of outliers will always get attention, but most people aren’t those people. Things will be better in the future. Times of challenge brings out people’s leadership skills (or lack thereof). We can use that information to evaluate who will be better suited to lead us in the future. We can plan how to be resilient and to prepare for future issues. We can change the future for the better. One last question, where are you?

I’m in Chicagoland. I live in the suburbs of an area with 9.83 million people, according to the US Census Bureau. I can drive 30 minutes and see the Willis Tower, but hear roosters in the morning where I live.

Dipti Pande asked me to answer some questions about life during the lockdown we have been experiencing worldwide this year. Here is Dipti’s interview about her experiences. Go read and see how she has felt hope during this shared human experience.

I’m curious to learn how others are handling their lockdowns: Britni Pepper, Jimmy Doom, Christine Graves, Lori Brown, NaNa'sworld, BFoundAPen, Keno Ogbo (I saw you wanted to be tagged into to read other’s responses 😊), Sherry McGuinn, Marla Bishop

🦄 Chris Hedges, BA, JD, is a photographer and writer. I run Publisher’s Spotlight and Unicorn Labs. I am also an editor here at ILLUMINATION.