Have you learned anything from lockdown?

Probably not a very popular opinion, but I’ve actually enjoyed it, I was so ready to step back from the hamster wheel of everyday expectations. I enjoyed not having the feeling that I had to be somewhere or meet someone or make an excuse not to do something. Don’t get me wrong I love my dds and Gc and friends but my time was my own and I loved it. The answer to your question is I’ve learnt to be content with my lot. I’m good with my own company, I don’t need to be stuck to my dds & gc to find happiness.

It has made me realise how precious life is. I have missed looking after my grandchildren and have a new baby grandson that I have seen twice through the window.

I have worried about my key worker sons.

It has made me sad not seeing my 94 year old Mum because she lives over 330 miles away. I have not seen her for over a year.

I have lost quite a few friends due to Covid and other illnesses over the last year.

It has made me realise that life is so short. It has made me realise how wonderful people working in the NHS and other essential jobs are.

It has made me realise that we have to make a better future for everyone, look after the planet and care for people everywhere.

I've learned that there are a lot of selfish people who refuse to do the right thing for the benefit of others.

I've realised how self sufficient I am. That I miss nobody other than my children. That people are, by and large, selfish and that I loathe and detest shopping and am much happier not doing it! I've enjoyed lockdown.

I’m totally with Bluebell. There is nothing I’ve liked about it. Mental health has suffered, cases of domestic violence have increased, and loneliness has been huge problem for so many.

kevincharley selfish people? You mean people who want a normal life back after a year?

What have I learned ?
Some people do not understand 2 metres.
Some people do not know how to wear a mask.
My OH has a real arrogant streak when I tell him off for wanting to go out where he shouldnt.
It has made my neighbour more pleasant - she will have proper conversations now (still brags alot about what she has got but that is her)
My company have realised that us staff working at home has worked out well.
I have realised that I can get really scared.

Yes who my true friends are

Sorry to be a Pollyanna but you be loved lockdown it’s given the whole world a chance to slow down, take a breath and enjoy the simple pleasures in life such as a sunny day, a new baby, a happy dog etc. I don’t miss shopping, click & collect groceries and lots of reading.
I think our family communicate more than we did - all three of our children live in London so we were used to not seeing our lovely grandchildren daily but I’m so looking forward to a hug ?
I’ve really missed cuddles.
Everyday is precious, there to be enjoyed - even if it’s tiny - and to count blessings.
Apologies again for my Pollyanna view, I know we have no health, finance or any other worries so feel VERY lucky

*I've loved lockdown ? fat fingers

I too have enjoyed the lockdown, uncrowded shops with no stressed parents trying to placate restless children, endless queues at checkouts and someone with countless cards and no money in any of them, time to read books and be better informed about the world, environmental issues, nature. The chance to support local businesses and talk to shop assistants and pass the time of day. Walks in the countryside or on the beach with the dog, fresh air from less pollution. Pleasure from simple things, instead of a diary full of things. My diary is empty and I love it.

I’m with you Tempest
If another plague hits us with the same vulnerable groups, I hope that the government have learned what and who need saving. We have had 70 plus years to do what we do, or did!
Next time, tell ALL elderly and vulnerable to stay isolated ( I am both those,plus heart failure) and so keep schools open, factories manufacturing, businesses working, and avoid a mental health crisis.
I would definitely have died if I had/ do catch it,taken to hospital, perhaps NHS staff caught it from me,used thousands of pounds of equipment,medicines, staff wages,only to snuff it 3weeks later!! Shocking waste of money. Keeping the country going,keeping our young and teens educated, researching ( I mean space advancements, engineering etc,not just new vaccines).
It is incredibly selfish to want what we want, because we want it!! Knowing what is better for the greater good of the most people, is painful, but realistic, economic good sense.

Where would you draw your line Janiepops?

I have to say here in Sweden, we havent had many restriction, and when we are going to be vaccinated is anyone guess, but we personally havent been affected by much, but I really long to meet and hug my grown up Grandchildren.
My main roblem is being let out of this country and being let in to the UK I really need to get to my UK home, its been on its own far too long.When the day comes I will be over the moon, until then I am rather grumpy at being restricted for so long.I need to be let out!

When I saw the heading I was apprehensive as I thought it would be full of posts saying how people have been fine and why. I am glad I'm not the only one who has nothing positive to say!

I've enjoyed not being at the beck and call of family so I've decided that I am going to take a step back where I can. I've also learned that I don't get any more done, no matter how much time I've got!

This is what I have learnt.
It’s said that if you want something done ask a busy person.
I am no longer busy and I get nothing done. Can’t wait to rush about again and achieve something. When there’s no pressure I just take ages with everything.

There must be NO more lockdowns. We need to be back to normal for the sake of the economy. I learned how to cut my own hair. that's it.

I have realised that living in Sheltered Accommodation would not suit us, need our own garden and space, it’s only small, but handy for us and garden visitS have been a lifeline for us, so on with new shower room.

It’s been a big decision that lockdown has. Hopefully resolved.

Could not agree with you more! Hated my freedom being curtailed and feel l have lost a year of my life to Boris and covid!

Yes! I haven’t found it as hard as I thought I would.

I appreciate this beautiful country we live in far more and I am in no hurry to travel abroad again.

I am more relaxed and try to enjoy every day as it comes.

I rely a lot more on my iPad to join online courses and talks, and Gransnet has been a wonderful friend

I know who my real friends are and my children have been very supportive and more communicative.

People seem more friendly.

I prefer vegetarian meals.

Those are the positives, the negatives are:

I have realised that I don’t like my DH very much. He is very selfish and argumentative and he has shocked me with some of his views.

I miss my voluntary work and the people I worked with, more than I thought I would.

I do not enjoy doing crafts. This has surprised me as it’s one of the pastimes I was looking forward to when I retired.

Big question Growstuff, would need serious consideration.
Dependant on how deadly is is, how many beds the NHS would have available. If the NHS was overwhelmed next time, who is most costly? Or would it be first come first served? If there is a 90 yr old on a vital machine, slowly dying, and Professor Whitty arrived on a stretcher needing said machine, I know who I would save.... How many staff would continue to risk going to work every day, knowing there is no cure if they catch it? It’s all very well standing outside clapping at 8o’ clock
but they know well now that that will soon be a distant memory, so less staff, more sick people, somethings got to give...... it’s choosing who fills the precious beds isn’t it?.......

Janiepops and Tempest
I’m with you both. I wasn’t at first, I thought lockdown was what was needed, and I thought we should have locked down earlier. However, as time has gone on, I realise that the consequences of lockdown are absolutely horrific. The damage done to the economy, to people’s mental health, to children’s education, to the job prospects of young people, the damage is endless. Perhaps if we had just had the first lockdown, but to continue it for a whole year, with no real idea when it will end is wrong. To damage so much is just wrong in my opinion. And yes, the majority of deaths have been of people over eighty. Of course sadly some have been of much younger people, but the statistics do not tell lies. The destruction of the economy, of children’s life chances, and of young people’s jobs has not been done in my name.

I've learned how subservient the British people are. So many people are eager to take a 'vaccine' even though the government advisors tell you that there's no guarantee that it will stop you from catching it again, passing it on, etc., which means that you have to keep social distancing and mask wearing. And worse of all is the thought that there might be a trial now with children, to see if it's safe for them!!! I'm sorry but the fact that some parents are offering up their children as guinea-pigs is too much for me to bear.

How can any sane person say they have enjoyed the lockdowns I hate it and for the ones that love it I can only say you must not have had a very interesting life