"This picture makes me think of where we are now: on a long winding path that we can't see the end of, but there is surely a destination waiting for us. And that destination is freedom."
It's a long road with no end in sight...but there is always a positive feeling that around the next corner, freedom is waiting. And not just freedom, but also happiness, new things, new adventures and a renewed appreciation for the small things.
Surviving the lockdown in The Hague was relatively easy for me. I had the beach, the dunes and all amenities on my doorstep, as well as friends nearby in the city going through the same experiences. The freedom to still be outside in the fresh air meant I could in fact be in one of my happiest places - somewhere pretty with my camera. Walks to local coffee places and chats with staff members there were enough to keep me feeling connected to people (Doppio Espresso Den Haag, Joe & The Juice and Ann & Max especially! 😀👍🏻).
In fact, the slowed-down pace of life gave me a chance to disconnect from troubles and obligations that I had been putting on myself. Sure, I really missed doing as much in the gym as I usually would do and joining the classes I loved to do there, but it was also nice to not rush around for a while and to realise that slowing down a bit is perfectly ok.
Now I am in the UK, it's a little more challenging. I'm not really allowed to go far from home, it's winter and cold, those coffee places I enjoyed aren't nearby anymore and I am spending a lot more time at home. It's easy to reminisce to a happier time. But, there are still ways to stay hopeful and positive...
My advice to all of you who might be struggling with lockdown is to take it as a time to reset and free yourself from the things you usually feel you have to be doing. They could be activities, but could also be thoughts. Give yourself the freedom to let it all go and just be. Then, as the weather gets better and life starts to return, pick things up again one by one with new energy and purpose.
Some of the things I am doing to stay sane during lockdown:
Workouts at home to keep active and fit (but in a way and at a time that suits me)
Connecting with friends thanks to technology
Updating my website and blog 😉
Eating healthy and as well as I can
Appreciating more hours of sleep!
Listening to my favourite music
Hot baths!
Appreciating not having to go out in the cold
Watching a Spanish series I wanted to watch for a while (that helps my Spanish too!)
Thinking and planning what I'll do when things open up again, including photo locations 😊
Not rushing anywhere (love that a lot 😉)
I took the photo above right at the beginning of the lockdown last year. I just remember how free I felt on that day to be out in the cool, fresh sea air. This picture makes me think of where we are now: on a long winding path that we can't see the end of, but there is surely a destination waiting for us. And that destination is freedom.
Hang on in there everyone!
What have been your lockdown experiences and how are you keeping positive and surviving? Let me know in the comments!