Lockdown Lessons

Amid the bad hair days and 'new normal' talks, I spent many hours under a big tree in my garden, contemplating my life, and I realised my life is already blessed 'as is'. However, to reach the dreams on my bucket list, whilst also enjoying the journey, I realised that a lot of the 'good' things must go to create space for the 'best' things.

My Lessons from Lockdown:

1. Enjoy the now. As a wise turtle once said: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That's why they call it the present (Master Oogway, Kung Fu Panda). So plan for the future, but make sure once you get there that you have some good stories to tell.

2. Life is not a To-Do List. When you feel constantly overwhelmed, it is a big in-your-face sign that is pulling at your hair yelling: "STOP!" Step back and re-evaluate. Nobody is forcing you to do all that stuff. Like Lydia Ter Keurst said: 'Saying yes all the time won't make me Wonder Woman. It will make me a worn-out woman." The news is full of things being mismanaged; do not let your time be one of them.

3. You get what you focus on. Focussing on negative stuff, will lead to more problems. Life has a way of giving you more opportunities if you spend time thinking of possibilities.  

4. Plant something.   Notice how positive nature reacted to Lockdown! We must remember we are part of this wonderous design and depend on it.  "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now." - Dambisa Moyo, Zambian Economist. There is beauty, happiness, and peace in the simple things, like watering your garden, or listening to the bees and birds enjoy your garden with you.

5. Never give up. The bigger picture can be terrifying. "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." - Arthur Ashe. Life is not fair, but nobody owes you anything. The way in which you handle what life gives you, determines your quality of life. Keep on hustling, and as you go, you will find a way.

6. Be healthy. With each passing year I become like the cereal - always a snap, crackle and pop when trying to jump out of bed. An active lifestyle is paramount. You don't have to run marathons -  walk, cycle, swim, do yoga, anything physical to boost your body and brain. And yes, your mom was right to say eat food that is good for your body. I'm not a great cook, but I am an amazing quality check controller for chocolates and jelly sweeties. I must remind myself daily to have the necessary discipline. That said, we all know that sometimes the best choice for everyone's health around you is to have the ice cream, right now, thank you.

7. But first: Be still. A couple of years ago I decided not to eat anything before having my early morning Quiet Time. This is one of the most powerful and life changing tips to enjoy a peaceful, happy, and fulfilled life. Whether it is through meditation, praying or just being still, refusing to let your mind be unsettled by things beyond your control and instead focus completely on the positive potential. The more you repeat it, the more the positive effects will linger throughout your days.

8. Prioritise the 3 most important things for the day. Spend the first 90 minutes of work time on focussing on these tasks, before you check any online screen. You will end up feeling more in control. If you do not guard your time and priorities like the treasures they are, you will end up sorting out other people's priorities all day.

9. Take care of your relationships and enjoy the moments that become the best memories. Make time for your close friends and loved ones, as well as neighbours, colleagues, and clients. You need them and they deserve your care, time, and commitment.

10. Use the KISS principle: "Keep It Simple, Stupid" We tend to over complicate things. Don't!

11. Spend less and invest wisely. Before Lockdown, I saw the most beautiful red sandals. They literally called out to me. I decided to wait a couple of days and if I still felt so strongly that I wanted those red beauties, I would go back and buy them. Then Lockdown arrived with a force of an economic tsunami. The difference between a want and a need is quite clear now. Never ever spend more than you earn.

12. Buy Locally. Support your local shops and service providers. Small businesses know that commitment to quality and service is what keeps customers coming back. Shopping locally is as Anna Lappe so touchingly says, "casting a vote for the kind of world you want".

13. If something does not work, change it. If you can't change it, change your approach towards it. Your ability to change your thinking, feeling, and doing, is the key to changing the results you get.

14. When opportunity knocks, open the door. We are in a catastrophic health and financial crisis but is also true that interest rates have not been this low in 47 years. If you are lucky enough to have an income, now is the ideal the time to buy property, or renegotiate your agreements with service providers.

15. Help others. It does not have to cost a lot of money. A handwritten card with some lavender from your garden, or a home cooked meal for a sick working-and-teaching-from-home-mom will bring joy in someone else's life and bring fulfilment and joy to yours too.

16. And read a good book whenever you can!

About the Author:
Erna Sciocatti is the owner and principal of RED Properties, who specialises in selling residential properties in Brackenfell and Durbanville.

The RED Properties Team believes that selling homes is not just about bricks and houses, but all about building quality relationships.  'The best advertisement is our past clients and most of our business is referral driven and repeat business.'