The lockdown lessons I won't forget

As we creep closer to Spring and the hope of lockdown slowly lifting, I’ve noticed a feeling of cautious optimism in the air this week. I’ve welcomed three new clients to my freelance portfolio, a sure sign that businesses are starting to think ahead again and get their content lined up for the year’s campaigns.

If you didn’t know already, I work part time in a dementia home when I’m not content writing, and the lovely bunch who call it home have seemed brighter than they have in months this week.

When we gathered in the home’s lounge for our vaccines this month there was a sense of anticipation in the room. Every time I caught the eye of one of the residents, I put my thumbs up eagerly to squash any pre-jab nerves. Many people who live with dementia often experience paranoia, particularly when it comes to taking medication. It took those guys real courage to trust us and choose to accept the vaccine, and I'm proud of them.

I’m not sure if that day was the turning point for all of us, but I could swear the sun’s looked brighter than I’ve ever seen it this week. So, with the vaccine rollout in full swing and the phased lockdown lift on the horizon, I wanted to take a minute to appreciate the things that kept us going through the past year.

It was each other wasn’t it?

It isn’t over yet, but I already know that when I look back on this terrible pandemic in years to come there will be some moments that just stick in my mind. Some aren’t so great and they don’t need raking over, but on the plus side some are lovely.

Some of the moments were subtle. We have two residents at the home who don’t speak much. One whispers from time to time and the other communicates with noises. During the lockdown, we would take both ladies from their bedrooms and sit them side by side in wheelchairs, facing the gardens. We would often find them tightly holding hands, lost in their own thoughts but grasping one another’s fingers for dear life. I loved that.

Then there are the bigger moments. When we went out for dinner on our second anniversary (between lockdowns) my boyfriend got down on one knee and popped the question. That magical moment for the two of us seemed to strike a chord with everyone in the restaurant. As I showed the ring off to the taxi driver on the way home, he let out a loud cheer. “I’ll tell my wife when I get in, that’s the nicest thing I’ve heard in here for months” he enthused. 

I’ve just enjoyed one of the busiest months for content writing I’ve ever seen. It always feels fantastic to bring a brand to life with words, and what a time to be doing it. Better still, I think this past year has taught us all that it’s ok to be ourselves just a little more than before.

As freelancers, our clients aren’t just one company with one brand. They’re actually teams of people, with dogs at their feet and their favourite mug on the desk. I’ve genuinely enjoyed those awkward Zoom calls to people’s makeshift offices. Lockdown working has enabled me to know the people behind the companies I write for in a way I never did before.

We still have a way to go yet, but let's keep each other just as close when we find a new normal. I think this year taught us that we need each other.