Geraldine Tattersall Thinking about how to live

I have been thinking how we have all changed during lockdown. Of course it has been a terrible time for many as has been well documented.

Many have suffered abuse and have also been blighted with mental health issues.

In writing this I would like to establish that I am in no way trying to underestimate anything. Of course all of our lives have altered and we have adapted as necessary and I would be very interested to hear how you all have been managing.

I have been relatively lucky. When the first lockdown came into effect. Being a compact household, just myself, a teenage son, (mostly absent due to Xbox commitments), two cats and a dog.

It was just a question of enjoying the weather and adapting to a new routine; it almost seemed like a holiday.

The second lockdown was frustrating and confusing, having been back at work and my son to school.

However with this third and, hopefully, final one I have found a new drive and a new way of thinking, the daily pressures of work having lifted and I have found a calmer way of living.

I have always enjoyed cooking from scratch for my family, but always hastily prepared the ingredients in the morning before work. Now I take time and even have my son involved.

Home improvements needed doing, my kitchen cupboard doors were in need of attention. Whereas before I would have had somebody in to deal with this, at some expense, I decided to do this all from scratch. Sanding undercoating, two coatings, ordering door knobs from India (would you believe) resulting in an individual and almost professional finish and a considerable cost saving.

My own downtime includes curling up with a book, and enjoying proper conversations with my son. In this we have realised a peaceful but more resourceful and indeed creative way to live,

So we will look back at this time, living at a slower pace, has not been a bad thing at all. I would be most interested to hear your views.