My rule book on how one is supposed to live life has officially been tossed out the window. I’m almost eight months pregnant and through this lockdown, I’ve learned the invisible load of the unknown is absolutely incredible. Who can be with me when I have my baby? How do I motivate my team when there are days I just can’t get out of bed? The everyday seems like a challenge when life’s simple pleasures are taken away from you. Following advice from my obstetrician, I’ve adopted a new mantra: perspective. She reminded me to look for the silver lining. For me, it means that even though I will be isolated, I will have the chance to spend precious time with my baby.
Staying connected and hearing someone’s voice has been super important: family, friends, peers, and clients. We are often stuck behind our keyboards and forget that in time of isolation, there is comfort and solace in actually speaking to someone.
I’ve also decided to filter out noise, disconnecting from those who have very different views to myself. Everyone is entitled to their opinion – but while there is so much going on and I have so little control – I am choosing to filter what I read and engage with so I can focus on my job and bringing a new life into the world.
I see the COVID situation as a time to reset. We are all looking at our ‘old’ life and reassessing everything. We’re discovering how resilient we are and starting to shape the lives that maybe we’ve always dreamed of. I’ve made changes and am confident I’ll be a better new mum, because all the doubts I felt about becoming a mother were completely shattered when lockdown helped me realise I can do anything.
