My 12 Answers: Making Sense of My Lockdown Moments
A reflective essay thinking about my time in lockdown
I was in the middle of brunch (left over akara¹ with a green salad) when a thought popped into my head, “you should answer the questions posed in the article below.”
Here are my answers
- What have you missed the most during in lockdown?
Nothing. Life in lockdown is pretty much the same as life before lockdown. I ran my own business working from home and I am an introvert. I loved the worship at church, dancing and visiting friends, but I have successfully replaced that with writing, online chats and long walks in the forest. I miss going to my local coffee shop to write, but not very much.
2. What’s the best thing about being in lockdown?
Discovery: Lockdown has been a journey of discovery. From the nature reserve behind my house to finding I could live with family for weeks without an argument, learning new ways to look after my hair, and most importantly, giving me time to figure out who I need to be and what I want to do in life.
3. What has been the worst thing about being in lockdown?
Seeing my weaknesses: I lacked control when it came to biscuits and online games, and this was highlighted in my behaviour. Something to change, I guess.
4. Who would you have liked to host in your home during the lockdown and why?
Charlie Puth: Not the answer you expected huh? Me too. I was thinking of leading Black historical figures or famous philosophers or scientists. But for 6 weeks? nah. Charlie Puth can sing, write music and play an instrument. I prefer to spend 6 weeks singing rather than analysing or debating or learning.
5. What have you discovered about yourself in lockdown?
That I have more faith and hope that I credited myself with: I have mood swings, but generally I am very positive about the future, and best of all, not allowed fear to take hold.
6. What did you eat (or drink) the most during the lockdown?
7. Apart from sleeping and working what activities did you undertake the most during the lockdown?
Writing! especially since joining the ILLUMINATION publication on Medium
8. Will you come out of lockdown heavier or lighter?
Heavier. I did not weigh myself before lockdown, but my clothes are tighter.
9. What resource has helped you most during the lockdown?
YouTube — My Church Online services and sermons have been awesome.
10. What is your top tip for other people in lockdown right now?
Reset. Whatever that means. To look into yourself, with no pressures, no to-do lists and find out more about yourself, to be at peace with who you our and remain in the moment. Switch off the News. Reduce the scrolling. Drink lots of water. Go on a walk.
11. How has lockdown changed you?
I feel calmer, more accepting of things as they are. I think I am kinder. I will be easier on myself.
12. If you were to leave a ‘message in a bottle’ for the future, what would you say?
There is NO need to stock up on toilet roll
One last question, where are you?
Hertfordshire, UK
¹Akara: A Nigerian Bean Cake
I’d like to share this with a few of my new friends that read the original article. If you take part, please tag me, I’d love to read your responses too. Francesco Biz Dipti Pande Gurpreet Dhariwal Ken Bourke Besom & Bletherskite Evan Wolfson Dr Mehmet Yildiz Aurora Eliam, CMP Tree Langdon ♾️ Mike Schoenhofer, MSW
Keno is a British-Nigerian working on a mission to build a world of hope through words. She is working on her first full-length novel, and is the founder of Tiny Life Moments.