Lockdown lessons

Malcolm Cox from Cox Partners Estate Agents

During the weekend I found myself reflecting on my busy pre-covid life – full of things I needed to control, juggle and manage. Isn’t that just what business owners do?

But lockdown removed much of that responsibility and many of our choices (for a few weeks, anyway). We were encouraged to be kind to each other and to ourselves.

Our family spent more time close together – we played cards, board games, watched movies and talked more with each other. My wife and I created a morning meditation routine – which we’re continuing.

But as we gradually return to normality, I noticed myself moving back into some of the same manic patterns. So, I stopped and asked myself – what has lockdown taught me?

Here are some of thoughts . . .

• Walking around Ahuriri estuary each day I felt lockdown allowed nature to shine. Nature doesn’t seem to rush. It takes its time. Nature isn’t worried about the future – and nor should we.

• Walking and biking became the recreation of choice for many. Pandemic or no pandemic, it’s great for your physical and mental well-being. Short trips in the car can easily be switched for a walk or bike ride.

• I never realised how much food we sometimes wasted until now. My wife was our designated shopper, but she wasn’t keen to go out. So, we simplified our menu – used up existing supplies and bought just what we needed and knew we would eat. Do we really need to keep the cupboard so full?

• Now that businesses have reopened, many local shops are going above and beyond to adapt. We’re making a conscious effort to support our local producers, shops and businesses.

• Although, it’s not yet clear when we will be able to travel overseas again, one of the decisions we’ve made is to embrace what our own country has to offer. When things get back to normal, we don’t need to take a long-haul flight to have a lovely vacation. There’s plenty to see and do closer to home.

• More broadly, we’ve seen how coming together we can affect change, really quickly. The government told us what had to be done to protect the population, and New Zealand followed. The community stood by each other, with relatively few gripes. We can continue to make a difference on others issues that matter.

The lockdown forced us to stop and re-calibrate. Thinking about it now, I appreciate those lockdown lessons.

We look forward to being of service to you as we move forward with our new normal.