Is it wrong to say I’ve thrived during Covid.
I’ve used the time to develop, grow and learn.
For many, this pandemic has been a complete and total nightmare. However, for me, this pandemic and the lockdowns it has brought here in the UK, has been an opportunity to look inward and use the time to be more mindful, listen to my body and learn. At the same time of appreciating my fortunate position.
This is where I currently am with Covid and the lockdown restrictions, although I feel somewhat ashamed to admit it.
Covid, through the home working and restrictions has, on a personal level, been a good thing for me. I no longer have to commute over 1 hour each way to and from work. This means my mornings can be more productive and I know I don’t have to worry about the weather forecast or trains breaking down. At the same time, not having to commute means I can spend my initial time before work benefitting myself through reading, meditating and being more mindful. I’ve also been able to go to the gym, when open, to workout and still be ready to start my working day at 9am. All this happening before 9am has been a complete eye opener and highlights why so many people, such as Hal Elrod ‘The Miracle Morning’, encourage you to attack the day.
My evenings have also been more productive as I can be finished work at 5pm, have the flat tidy/clean and make dinner for my wife and I. Before I wasn't getting home till around 7:30pm if I went to the gym, which I can now do in the mornings. This is also on the proviso that my commute runs smoothly which is not always the case. Having that extra time in the evenings has been great and allowed me to be more productive and get things done. Such as reading.
I read the most I’ve ever, in a year, during 2020 and have set myself the challenge of reading 30 books in 2021 (https://iain-fraser-85573.medium.com/year-in-review-2020-c02b42446cd4). I’ve gotten off to a great start by reading three books already;
Reading has been a liberating experience and I’ve learned a tremendous amount by exploring a number of subjects/topics I never would of read if I didn’t have the time given to me through lockdown. Reading can help you can a number of new skills and perspectives. A number of my favourite books have been on leadership, productivity and wellbeing. Having the time to sit and digest information from experts and take notes has been beneficial to my learning process.
The pandemic has meant I’ve more disposable income as I’m not spending my salary at shops, restaurants and bars as they are closed/restricted. Before the pandemic I enjoyed meals with my wife, socialising and meeting friends and family. Now, as we’re stuck at home, I’ve spent less of my income. Alongside this, I’ve had direct debits and subscriptions frozen, such as the gym, because they are not open. With this, I’ve started to be more charitable and look to make regular monthly donations and contributions, for example to people who create learning content, as I know many people are really struggling to make ends meet and lots have sadly lost their jobs and homes.
It’s a constant struggle to balance the needs of myself with those of others. However, this pandemic has taught me that life is short and we do need to think about our own situations. I think there is nothing wrong with thinking about your own wellbeing and situation. Although, the flip side is that this pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties many people were already facing and increased poverty and mental health issues. Therefore, I will continue to look to be more charitable and support others. Also, I’m more prone to remind myself that complaining about my circumstances or situation is somewhat wrong. As my father used to always say to me, “be thankful for small mercies”.
Finding the balance of being appreciative of ones situation, while recognising others, is required. The pandemic has caused much hardship and suffering to people throughout the globe. But it’s also led to people becoming more resilient, realising what they’ve got is precious and we only get one shot at life. It’s not a dress rehearsal so use it wisely and find time for yourself to develop, grow and learn.
