The beginning of this week marked the one-year anniversary of India being under lockdown. Though even today, things haven’t changed much for a lot of us and we continue to be at home; I was reflecting on what the past year was like and how it changed us in ways that we may have never imagined. Here are a few things that I learnt during this time.
1. The only constant in life is uncertainty
This was one of the biggest takeaways from the past year. With the amount of uncertainty that we were in, we did not know where all of this is heading, what is the end of this whole things. It was unlike anything any of us experienced throughout our lives. It took quite a bit of time for me to understand the gravity of the situation and accept the seriousness of the situation. I’m sure each of you would have also been through a similar phase. I, for example, work in a different city from my hometown and had come home thinking I would be heading back after a 10-day break and it’s been more than a year. We all went through a roller-coaster ride of emotions but most of us endured it.
2. Listen to your gut
For someone like me who works in a different city than my hometown, the decision to leave the city before the lockdown officially hit was one of the best life decisions so far. Something inside me told me to leave the place as soon as possible and I still thank myself for making the decision at the right time. Because a delay of even one day would have meant I would be stuck all alone for the next few months of strict lockdown. Being alone in such tough times to manage food, work, mental and physical health all alone is a whole another life teaching
3. Be a Life-Long Learner
This year we also saved on a whole lot of commuting time to offices, schools or colleges. We all used this time differently. Some of us just to chill and relax, spend time with the family and pets or learn new skills. There were so many artists, gardeners, home chefs that we all saw during the lockdown. I, for example, wanted to learn how to handle Personal Finances for a long time but had never gotten the chance to. This time I decided to delve into this world of Finances and I’m so glad I made that decision. I also learnt the basics of blogging and here I’m with this whole website up and running.
4. Family is everything
The past year also taught the importance of family. When all of us were stuck within our homes, some of us stressed, some of us feeling blessed. Whatever the reason be, it was they who were there with us through these tough times. For some of us, this may have been the most time we spent with our family in the past few years. Cooking, eating and exercising together was incredible.
5. Importance of Investments
Living in uncertainty in the past year also taught us the importance of investments in money, skillsets, mental or physical health. Some of these we do take for granted when everything seems to be working well. However, this is when we should be taking small and consistent steps toward a better life. Those who were well invested kept their calm even through these tough times. So, if you haven’t started yet, I would urge you to start learning about investing and take your first steps.
6. Respecting every profession
For some of us, the lockdown meant we were working from our homes comfortably. But for the others, it meant battling with their lives each and every day by going to work amidst the Pandemic. All this while protecting themselves and their dear ones. This year taught us the importance of all the front line workers from grocery and vegetable store vendors, bankers, police, local municipality workers, hospital staff and all the delivery executives. It made us realise how each and every profession contributes to us living comfortably.
7. Reduced Environmental Pollution
With a significant reduction in vehicle usage and offices being shut, we also saved on a whole lot of fuel, electricity and water. We also contributed to reduced noise and air pollution. I personally experienced this in my city where the skies were a lot clearer in the evenings which otherwise would be smoke-filled.
How was your lockdown experience? Please share it in the comments section below. I would love to hear back from you.
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