Reflecting on the Pandemic

Our experiences during a difficult time

Five Years On: Reflecting on Our Covid-19 Experience

I recently noticed that it’s been five years since the arrival of Covid-19. That anniversary stirred up memories of those strange, uncertain days - and reminded me that I’ve never written about our personal experience of the pandemic. I think it’s important to document this time, so that those who come after us understand the impact it had on our lives, our routines, and our outlook on life.

When We First Heard

I remember hearing early reports of a new virus that was expected to spread worldwide. It sounded almost unbelievable, like something out of a sci-fi movie. We didn’t give it much attention at first. But very quickly, the news became more serious, and it was clear that this wasn’t something we could ignore.

Because my partner has an auto immune issue, and we both worked in a busy environment, we were advised by the doctor, that we would need to take time off work. We assumed it would be a short disruption, of perhaps a few weeks, maybe a month at the most. We even looked forward to it a little. We had no idea how long it would go on... and on... and on.

What Australians Were Doing

I’m sure that if twenty people were asked about their life during the pandemic, there would be 20 different answers.

Following are some of the activities, that when polled, people said they did during covid:

• Watching TV and streaming movies was the highest percentage activity (51%)

• Baking and crafts (46)

• Playing games or puzzles (43%)

• Those working from home spent more time cooking meals and exercising.

The graph below shows what we were doing in more depth.

What We Were Doing

We definitely weren’t binge-watching TV - aside from the daily Government covid updates, which we never missed. Instead, I threw myself into baking. Rich desserts, cakes, puddings - you name it. It got out of hand pretty quickly, and the kilos started creeping on. Ironically, we’re not usually dessert people, but there was something comforting about those warm baked treats every night.

One of the unexpected highlights for me was discovering Zoom. I began attending virtual conferences from all around Australia and internationally. My family wasn’t into Zoom catch-ups, so I didn’t have that family connection, but I found community in other ways.

Life In Isolation

The lockdown rules were surreal at first: only going out for essential groceries, daily exercise was time-limited, borders were closed. It was all such a shock. Every new rule felt like the world had turned upside down.

But we were fortunate. Living on 20 acres, surrounded by national park, our isolation was more peaceful than stressful. I spent hours each day in the garden - our biggest luxury. It had never looked better. With all that time and space, there was no pressure to rush. We could simply enjoy the outdoors and focus on the small things.

Remember all those stories we heard about people having to stay in their homes during lockdown, only being able to go out for necessary shopping, such as groceries, and only able to exercise for a set period of time. I can remember being shocked, when hearing that those rules. I also remember hearing on the news that Chinese students were now banned from entering Australia. What! Every time there was a new rule presented to us, it seemed like the world had gone mad.

I was in the garden for most of the day, every day. Our large garden was looking the best it had ever looked, as I now had the time to do whatever gardening I wanted, and for however long I wanted.

Joy in The Small Things

Once we realised the virus wasn’t going anywhere fast, we tried to make the time special - even in small, rule-bending ways. Each week, we would drive to a nearby area to walk the bush trails, picking up a no contact lunch from a bakery. Another day each week, we’d do the same locally - lunch in the car, overlooking a scenic spot. It brought such joy.

Even now, I look back and smile at those simple pleasures, especially the fun of planning of each weekly outing. Of course, it’s no mystery why I gained weight during the pandemic.

We Were Happy

Truthfully, we thrived in that slow, quiet life. Pottering in the garden, enjoying nature, and having the freedom to work at our own pace. It was a peaceful time. Before the pandemic, we had been rushing around, working long hours, and driving two hours round distance to work. Compared to that life seemed like bliss in some ways.

The hardest part, without a doubt, was being separated from family. My son and grandsons had moved to Queensland a few months before the pandemic hit, and I didn’t see them for more than three years. When we finally reunited, the boys had grown so much I could hardly believe it.

Back To Work

During lockdown, we didn’t really think about work as we were so immersed in that peaceful break. But after almost exactly a year in isolation, we were able to be vaccinated and return to work. What surprised us most, on our return, was seeing the stress our colleagues had endured: trying to follow constantly changing rules and dealing with frustrated customers.

Looking Back

It’s hard to summarise those pandemic years. They were strange, challenging, and at times deeply rewarding. While many struggled, we were concerned, but we also experienced unexpected peace, found joy in small rituals, and had time to reflect.

Writing this now, five years later, I am pleased that I finally captured it.

What is your strongest memory of the pandemic? I’d love to hear of your experience.

This post is linked to Wednesday Words & Whimsy (#WWWhimsy linkup), hosted by Min from Write of the Middle. I’m more than happy to be on Min’s Team - #TeamWWWhimsy. Min, thank you for all you do to keep this challenge going. It’s a highlight for me, on the blogging calendar each week.

This post is linked to Wednesday Words & Whimsy (#WWWhimsy linkup), hosted by Min from Write of the Middle. I’m more than happy to be on Min’s Team - #TeamWWWhimsy. Min, thank you for all you do to keep this challenge going. It’s a highlight for me, on the blogging calendar each week.