Five weeks in, and lockdown life is officially the new normal for me — and millions of people around Italy and the world. I’ve not only accepted it, but I’ve become conditioned to this weird way of living.
Just the other day, I said to my partner: “Oh, I could do with a few more weeks of full-on lockdown because I finally have the time to go through my to-do list.”
For those of you who don’t know, I spend most of winter living in a tiny little village perched on the Northern Italian mountain of Alpe di Mera. When I say it’s remote, I mean it (check out the pic above). When the snow hits, the only way in or out is via a snowmobile or chairlift!
My family escaped to the mountain when my daughter’s childcare center closed seven weeks ago. We haven’t left since, and the biggest thing I’m feeling is gratitude.
I’m very lucky to be quarantined here. We have lots of space, and since it’s so remote, we can roam around outside — though it’s been -5 the past few days so that hasn’t been high on our list of activities!
I’m grateful to be spending so much time with my partner and daughter, Isabel, and I can actually say I’m pleased to be living with my in-laws! My mother-in-law is a fabulous cook, so I’m eating incredibly well. (Side note: I’m terrible in the kitchen and will never be a traditional Italian mamma!) Not only that, but she’s more than happy to entertain Isabel so I can jump online to work and connect with my community.
I’m also empathetic for my friends and family who are living on their own, or in foreign countries and unable to find a way home. If you’re in that situation, I know things aren’t easy right now and it’s hard to get motivated to do anything.
Many of us are working our day jobs from the couch, so the very thought of a job search or career change can seem daunting. But if you need help navigating your career during this time, please reach out to me. I’m here, and I want to help as much as I can.
How to take back control
The coronavirus has changed the world, and like many people, the fact that I have no control over the future freaks me out. It’s a scary, uncertain time. It’s f***ing surreal. But I keep reminding myself that this will pass — we just have to get through it, and try to stay as sane as possible.
I’m choosing to treat this time as a short phase in the scheme of my life. By doing this, I can manage it in my mind.
To keep myself busy and stop my mind from wandering, I’ve been focusing on what I can control. And having a checklist of things to do has really helped me to feel like I’m in charge of my own life.
It doesn’t matter how big or small the steps are. I’ve found that taking ACTION eases my anxiety, and it helps me feel like I’m making the most of this time at home.
So, ask yourself: What have you been putting off? How can you be productive during this time? What can you do to move forward in your personal and professional life?
My lockdown to-do list
Here are a few things I’ve been working towards while in lockdown. I’m hoping it will inspire you to make your own list and take back some control!
What’s on your lockdown list? Drop me a line letting me know, or head over to my FREE Facebook group for inspo and to hear what other people around the world are doing!
Remember, we’re all in this together, so let’s embrace this time and focus on what we can do — not what we can’t.
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