isolation diaries: one

In 2018, I took six months off work to unwind and settle my mind. It was a big decision but I eventually welcomed the break with open arms, and spent my time mostly writing and getting through a huge pile of books I had accumulated. Now, in 2020, I find myself once again spending lots of time at home, although this time the majority of the population is joining me with little choice. Suddenly, we have all a lot of time on our hands. 

It’s part of human nature that lots of us don’t like change. We have ways of doing things, activities we churn out day after day without thinking because we have for years and nothing has ever got in the way. As such, trying to get the whole island to make significant changes to their daily lives overnight was no mean feat but, I’m my opinion, the island has reacted terrifically. 

The most important thing to remember is that change doesn’t have to be scary. Our lives right now, part of the New Normal, are welcomed in a time where the world moves faster than we can keep up. After the original panic, which I assure you is normal, I stared to enjoy the simplicity of my new days. Run out of bread? No problem, I’ll make my own. It might not work the first time but at least it was fun! Doing a grocery shop to last me a week or two fits my lifestyle much better; I’ve happily said goodbye to dreaded trolley wars in the supermarkets.

I devour my daily dose of exercise in the outside world with a hunger I didn’t have for nature before. A quick stroll down the road is enough to satisfy my need to explore and give my mind some time out from being cooped up at home. I don’t need to drive to beauty spots because I’ve found new ones near my home.

Long gone is my fear of missing out. In a world where there are no external acidities to keep us engaged, we must make our own entertainment. Along side my day job, I’ve read, blogged, baked, followed along to some exercise videos, watched my favourite artists live stream and begun a papier mache project. Would I have done that in my ordinary busy life? Not at all!

Most importantly though, I’ve been listening to my mind and slowing down. There is no longer a need to rush around. The ticks on my to do list are added at a much slower pace, but the jobs are still getting done. I am feeling more content with the work I do and strangely more connected with those around me. When we’re stripped back to basics, we are reminded of our friends and loved ones and how much they matter. 

The community nature of the Isle of Man has been stripped back to it’s bare minimum, and yet somehow, through the power of the internet and a community of strong willed residents, it seems stronger than ever. What a fantastic place to be.

Embrace that New Normal, and enjoy the little things whilst the complications of the rest of the world isn’t interfering. 

Mind and The Gap

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