Am I lucky? Reflections during lockdown
“Am I lucky”? Reflections during lockdown.
The answer to that question I believe is NO and I will explain why.
We certainly find ourselves in interesting times with lockdown as a result of COVID-19. It has now been a few weeks and after the initial novelty of it all, things have calmed down. Less panic buying in the shops and some routines established.
I am a great believer in a list and currently have 4 lists on the go. A garden list, house list, work list and joint list with my partner. As I was going into list la-la-land I did stop to think about the bigger picture and ‘how lucky I am’ that I do not have some of the big worries like health (both mental health and physical health), loneliness, keeping children occupied and finances.
But is it luck? I do not believe it is. If I look back, I have definitely created my own path, I have been careful and cautious most of the time. That is not to say I don’t enjoy myself and enjoy life with blow outs and treats here and there.
I consciously eat healthily and exercise regularly. That can be gardening and housework or walks/runs and cycling. I vary my diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. This doesn’t happen by accident. I am curious about food and cooking and try to get variety into my diet and exercise.
Friends and family are key to me and I spend a lot of time and effort in maintaining contact in various ways because I get so much enjoyment out of it myself. I even wrote an old-fashioned letter last week! That felt strange but I know she will enjoy receiving it. Again, this doesn’t happen by luck – I make it happen.
I have generally lived within my means, a valuable lesson learned from my Yorkshire/Scottish parents. I have put money aside for a rainy day – and guess what? It is raining!! I do not feel guilty or bad for now using that when I need it most.
So, all in all, during these difficult times I am doing ok and unusually for me, I am giving myself a pat on the back. I am being grateful for all the things I have and all the things I can do rather than all the things I cannot.
Pat yourself on the back. Take a small step into coaching yourself and reflect on all the good things that YOU make happen and that are not down to luck. 😊