Reflections on Lockdown: Achievements and Unfulfilled Dreams

Lockdown was a period of life that presented both opportunities and challenges. For many, it was a time when regular routines were disrupted, leading to a mix of unexpected breakthroughs and unmet expectations. In this article, we explore the experiences of one individual during lockdown, focusing on their achievements and the tasks they left unfinished.

Joining the Majorettes

It was during this lockdown that I decided to join the Majorettes at my school. Initially, I was nervous and feared judgment. However, the experience turned out to be vastly different from my expectations. Not only did I not regret my decision, but it also taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges.

Reading, Learning Self-Care

During lockdown, I managed to catch up on my reading and even learned a few new things. However, one thing I didn’t do was overly worry about the pandemic. I acknowledged that it was going to be a prolonged challenge, yet remained focused on my own goals rather than succumbing to anxiety. This perspective allowed me to maintain a sense of control and purpose during an otherwise uncertain time.

Healthy Habits and Academic Pursuits

Another significant endeavor I undertook was starting a healthy eating and exercise routine. I also enrolled in a PhD program, which aligns with my academic aspirations. While these commitments have brought me closer to my long-term goals, I did not succeed in creating a safer and more efficient work environment for my employer. This highlights the often-unpredictable nature of personal and professional goals during extraordinary times.

Home Updates and Personal Projects

Regrettably, I sank into a depressed state shortly after lockdown began, neglecting my home repair to-do list. I waited for the lockdown to end, hoping for a return to my usual work routine. However, when isolation extended into summertime, I decided to visit my parents to break the monotony. The visit provided the needed motivation to tackle various projects for my elderly parents. Although I returned home with renewed enthusiasm, it quickly waned. My Florida momentum did not carry over to my home projects, including simple tasks like taking out the garbage.

Research and Fact-Checking

Despite these setbacks, lockdown did offer a unique opportunity for me to engage in extensive research as a truthseeker. Unfettered by meetings and the distraction of ego-driven conversations, I found more time to contact my network of over 400 sources worldwide for fact-checking. I expanded my research to include foreign news platforms to gain broader perspectives on global events. This period also saw a reduction in meetings, allowing me to engage more meaningfully with my sources. However, the downside was the inability to enjoy a casual coffee with a friend and watch the world go by.

Unfulfilled Goals

I did not manage to complete a few other personal goals during lockdown. For instance, I did not write a modern version of 'The Catcher in the Rye', hang new doors, clean the backyard, organize my tools, or cut down on my vices (albeit unnamed). While these tasks remain unfinished, I believe it's important to focus on the gains rather than the losses. I am optimistic that with perseverance, these 'didn’ts' can be turned into 'dids', especially if we face more shutdowns or similar challenges in the future.

Ultimately, lockdown was a period of exploration and growth, marked by achievements and unfulfilled dreams. By reflecting on these experiences, we can better understand how to navigate future uncertainties and maintain our focus on what truly matters.