Over the last week or so, restrictions in the United Kingdom have started to lift with regard to how we can gather, what we can do and how we can socialise and go about our daily business. It feels like such a long time since we’ve been able to do a lot of the things we took for granted before Covid hit and it’s a welcome change and a step in the right direction for many.
There’s still a lot we don’t know. What will the new normal look like exactly? How long will things be different? Will they ever get back to the way they were? All these are very valid questions, but a lot right now are focussing on the positives like being able to pop to the pub or go shopping for fun nonessential things or to reunite safely with friends or relatives.
It’s no secret that for just over a year, there’s been some pretty hefty changes to our way of life and it’s put huge pressure on so many of us. The way we live, work and connect has had to evolve and adapt pretty quickly in recent times and interactions through digital screens have become the norm. It’s become so normal that I’ve had a couple of conversations lately with friends about how much going back to normal terrifies them. Some people are wondering if they’ve forgotten how to be social. Some are wondering how they’re going to feel being in crowds again and, understandably, aren’t feeling too excited about it.
These feelings are completely OK. After all, we’ve been dealing (and continue to deal) with an invisible threat that’s passed on through contact. As restrictions started to lift, it’s only natural to feel a little apprehensive about mixing freely again. It’s probably quite obvious that precautions like a bit of social distancing, increased hygiene and masks might be around for a good while yet – and that’s fine. They’re actually habits I’m pretty OK with keeping in the right circumstances. I hadn’t thought about it til I was on the phone to a close friend the other night and both of us were saying we haven’t had a cold or flu in over a year and we’re pretty happy about that!
I’m also a bit grateful to the lockdowns we’ve had as, I know I’ve discussed this before, they’ve allowed me to find time to get some stuff done that’s needed doing for ages and often gets ignored. I’ve also made a little headway on my watch list of things I’ve been meaning to watch, done some reading, caught up on a little writing, had a few major sorting sessions and clear outs at home, which have been very cathartic, reminded myself how to actually relax rather than constantly zooming around and just passing out for a few hours to do it all again – and all these things while still doing my day job! I couldn’t have dreamt of getting so much done before, so I’m already trying to have a little more balance in my life and keep hold of some of these positives as part of my new ‘normal’
I’m obviously a very social person, so personally I can’t wait to be back out there, seeing people, having drinks, going to parties, getting back to live gigs (and hopefully going to watch some as well as performing at mine). There’s a lot of people like me, but there’s just as many that aren’t like that. People who have had the perfect excuse to stay home and not worry about being interrupted. And that’s OK too! However you want to deal with the new normal is entirely up to you!
And for those who want to get out but are a little nervous or apprehensive, remember that you’re completely allowed to feel that way and give yourself permission to take things at your own pace. After all, you don’t owe an explanation to anyone! If only we’d known this before. It may be that some people will try and drag you out before you want to, which is probably just because they care and they’ve missed you, but if they care, they’ll understand that you want to do it your own way and in your own time. Just be confident that your feelings are entirely valid and there’s no official manual for our lives quickly changing and then starting to move back to normal. It may be that you’ve, like me, found some elements of the last few months that have been really positive. Look at them and work out how you can fit them in with what YOUR new normal is going to be. This is your chance to redefine your social life and make it what YOU want it to be rather than just what you always thought it should be or what you always did. When you think about it, everyone’s in the same boat – we’re all trying to put our ‘normal’ back together. Yes, it’s going to be fantastic to reconnect with people, but it doesn’t mean everything has to be exactly as it was before. We can take back some control of our lives and work out what we really want our balance to be. For me, it’s been enough of a break from my old routine that I feel like I can dip my toe in my old daily plans, but I’m fitting in more time to devote to health and home time because the last few months have taught me that those things are pretty important and need time spending on them – and when you do, there’s a tangible and emotional reward, so I’m making a concerted effort to hang onto those new habits and routines.
It’s all about finding a new balance. If the old one wasn’t working, maybe it really is time to try a new balance. As they always say, “a change is as good as a rest” and I always find that those old phrases exist for a reason. So, maybe now’s the time we look at what we loved about our old lives and take some of the positives we’ve glimpsed over the last year (there were some, really) and make something new that works better. We might never get a chance like this again!
No matter how you feel about our next steps – excited, nervous, ecstatic or unsure, just know that those thoughts and feelings are completely valid and we’re all feeling some crazy cocktail of feelings right now. Ooo, cocktails! There’s another thing I’ve missed! But really, however you feel right now, I bet there’s tons of folks feeling exactly the same. Don’t sweat it, we’ve got this!
So, what are you excited for? Are you nervous about getting back to being social? Have you got a wish list that you’ve got to tick off when you can? Or maybe you’ve learned something new or made a big change during lockdown? Why not let us know in the comments and we can have a good old natter! And remember: You’re absolutely right no matter what you decided to do as long as you stay safe, stay sane and always… stay Vidalicious! X
