I wish someone had told me more about the COVID-19 lockdown

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by Kurt.

If you had told me last year that in 2020 I would be housebound for 21 days; that I would have to celebrate family and mates birthdays through my computer and that the world was fighting a pandemic, I would not have believed you.

I have tried to pinch myself a few times because it feels like I am in a movie or a bad dream. Staying off social media as much as possible has also helped and I have often had to revert my eyes at the TV because of the real but very depressing and sad stories around the world. I am usually a very positive person, but I cannot deny, Covid-19 has had me all over the place.

There have been many things that have really affected me emotionally and I was going to share these, but I have decided to rather make this blog post as positive as possible. Here are a few of my own personal experiences, findings, opinions, and appreciations during the last few days of lockdown.

Friends & Family

How we take small things for granted, like that beer, braai or afternoon tea together. That handshake or hug. Our family got on a Zoom call to wish my little (now not so little) cousin her happy 16th, uncles, aunties, fellow cousins, and my 92- & 94-year-old grandparents singing happy birthday through our phones and computers. A birthday she (nor I) will ever forget. The daily call or push up challenges between my brother in Dubai and my cousin in Boksburg. The funny videos or memes being shared on mate what’s app groups have also been entertaining. While we cannot be in the physical company together, imagine we were living in the 70s with none of this technology.

Leadership

I applaud President Cyril Ramaphosa, all of his advisers and team during this time. While politics is always a bit of a double-edged sword, I have personally been very impressed with his clear, calm, sympathetic and transparent communication. No one is perfect, but I would rather have him at the helm, than many other “first world” country leaders and has definitely trumped many already. Business leaders, clients and colleagues who I know and work with personally – your leadership, approach and the way you have handled your teams and critical business decisions have been inspiring.

Heroes

It goes without saying, not all superheroes wear capes but most are wearing masks. The medical staff, doctors, nurses, volunteers, carers and paramedics – thank you. I cannot fathom the trauma and emotional affect this is having on you and your family.

To all the essential services team and personnel, which includes cleaning staff, security, police, the army, courier services, shop and pharmacy tellers and packers, manufacturing personnel, veterinarians, those keeping our lights on, emergency services, metropolitan and refuse collection teams and all those that need to be at work during this time, thank you. I salute you.

Keeping busy at home

I am lucky that most of the work I do with and for clients can be done digitally and online which takes up most of my day in the week. While I am very grateful for this, I do understand most people are not as lucky as I am.

In between work, I make sure I keep a good balance, take enough breaks, and keep as active as possible. Below are few things that keep me active, sane and my brain working.

My Girlfriend has been an incredible support. In between everything, she makes sure I am ok, Morgan (her daughter) is sorted and she is staying on top of her very important work. Besides work, I exercise daily. I have also started learning a new language-Italian, this was before lockdown but helps with variety to get through the days.

We, unlike many, are fortunate enough to have a small garden we can take advantage of to get fresh air, play ball games or have a quick lunch in – we try to do this as a family daily. Board games, baking, puzzles, and house chores also help with variety and keeping sane. We checked-in with Ollie, our helper/home and facilities manager to see how she and her family are doing. This reminded me of our support structure, keeping a home clean and in check is no easy feat. To all the home helpers, gardeners and carers, thank you. I am grateful and you are appreciated.

Unite Together

Finally, while we are not only in this as a country, but globally, and although it seems this will never end – It is our chance to rise up, IF we #UniteTogether, South Africa will be whole again, we will defeat this together, and we will come out emotionally tougher, politically stronger and closer as South Africans.

Let’s be better, let’s support those who need it, regularly check in on family, neighbors, friends, and helpers. Please cooperate with the president’s requests. Stay safe, stay home and stay positive!