Lockdown gratitude

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Life has never been more unpredictable and beyond my control, something which is hard to deal with at the best of times, never mind while living with high-functioning anxiety and depression. Journaling is a good constant for me, as it encourages me to focus on the positives – and unload when I need to.

I started a new spread the other day, dedicated to the little things that I’ve come to appreciate during lockdown.

Afternoon walks in the sun

We make sure to go for a walk every day and we were so fortunate that the first few weeks of lockdown were dry and mostly filled with glorious sunshine. Although we stick to the same four routes, it’s always a highlight of the day, and spring means there’s always something new to see.

Picnic lunches on the balcony

Have I mentioned how hard it is to work from home with a four year old? I can’t work without being interrupted a few times a day so I make sure to take a long lunch if meetings allow. On a sunny day we sit out on the balcony and have a picnic – proper slowing down time.

Fairy washing powder

Yep, this is a weird entry on the list but it makes sense, promise! We usually buy Co-op own-brand washing powder but it was sold out a few weeks ago (panic buying and all that). So I splashed out (!) and bought Fairy instead. Oh my gosh, it smells so good, I almost enjoy laundry!

Long showers

I appreciate quiet/alone time so much more now that I’m not commuting. Going straight from working to parenting with no inbetween is hard. I used to moan about my commute being a school bus but I actually kinda miss it right now (there were quieter moments of the 90-minute journey). Jenson rarely follows me into the bathroom in the morning these days so I indulge in some quiet time in the shower. It’s where I do my best thinking too.

Online communities

I’ve always loved the niche little communities I’ve found online but now I love them more than ever. Instagram hashtag challenges, Facebook groups, lettering communities – the internet is full of lovely supportive people, encouraging and championing each other. Little Paper Swan’s creative challenges and Blink Lettering’s #BetterBrushLetters are favourites.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Every day, Luke and Jenson disappear upstairs to play Sonic the Hedgehog. This is my time to catch up on a show, read a chapter of a book, take some photos, or draft a blog post. I make sure not to do any housework – this is my time.

Flexible working

I’ve always appreciated how lucky I am to have a flexible job but it’s never been as important to me as it is now. As long as I meet my weekly hours, I can work flexibly throughout the day/week to be there for Jenson and do what I need to. I can take a long lunch break to eat with him and go for a walk, and I feel like I’m just about able to manage everything. I’m also incredibly lucky to still be able to work and have a job which can be done entirely from home – patchy internet connection excluded.

 

I’ll keep adding to this throughout lockdown, as it doesn’t look like we’re going anywhere anytime soon!

What little things do you appreciate at the moment?