So it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that in recent months many of us have been feeling a little uprooted. With millions of people across the world unable to go to work, I’m not going to be getting into the dire straits of Corona, anything remotely political or the macabre daily figures of doom. Instead, I want to focus on some positives of lockdown and what all of the extra time on my hands has meant for me.
- Freelancing
When I started this blog back in 2018, it served as somewhere for me to put everything that I was writing. I knew that I wanted to freelance as a writer, but I didn’t know what field I wanted to be in; my journalism degree ominously eyeing me from my bookshelf. Fast forward to the start of 2020 and I was working part time in a customer service job and part time as a freelance writer. After being furloughed back in April, I launched full force into my freelancing and May was my most successful month to date.
This is also one of the main factors that is making me not want to return to ‘normal’. I am of course grateful that I have a job to go back to eventually, and my time spent writing in the past couple of months has only fueled my freelancing fire. I am more determined than ever to do this full time, one day.
- Cooking
Although I have refrained from jumping on the banana bread bandwagon (mainly because I hate bananas) I have found myself cooking practically each and everyday since lockdown. I loved to cook before lockdown, but in the past few months I have really been experimenting with exotic flavours, spices and a whole host of new recipes. From red velvet cake and triple chocolate chip cookies, to paprika salmon with peppers and chickpeas and successfully managing my first ever barbecue with my Mr, I have really enjoyed having the energy to spend more time in the kitchen.
I was super impressed with my juicy chicken burger at my first ever BBQ 
My take on a Balela Salad, with a twist
- Being at Home
So, of course I miss going out. I miss popping to the pub for a quick drink on a Saturday afternoon and I miss going for brunch on a quiet Wednesday morning. But truth be told, I revel in being at home. In the past, I have spent a few long stretches of time in the house, only going out for groceries, on my complete own accord. From several weeks to a period of almost four months, whether between jobs (and trying to save money), my prior attempts at freelancing (making me too broke to go out) or on a break from university (ah, those summer breaks were long), I am quite happy in my own little space. Whilst it can get frustrating, I am grateful everyday that my home is a safe and happy place, where I love to spend time.
- Distancing
This may seem like a strange one, but I have always hated how close people get in queues and in public spaces. I absolutely loathe crowds, especially within close proximity of others, and I have really loved the fact that this new little thing called ‘social distancing’ has been implemented. Though the global pandemic is obviously not great, I am thankful that people are now more conscious about where they stand. I am also glad that people and businesses (ahem, public transport) are paying closer attention to hygiene than before. (I will completely overlook the terrifying fact that so many people needed to be reminded to wash their hands regularly that soap was suddenly sold out for weeks!)
- Outside
I think not being able to go out for anything other than ‘essentials’ and exercise in the thick of the lockdown really helped me and lots of other people to fully appreciate time outside. Even though I didn’t have a dog to take out with me *cries*, I found myself looking forward to my daily walk. I live in London, so my views were not as scenic as some I saw on social media, but I still managed to find a handful of new places, I had previously never explored.
I don’t want to make this overly sappy in any way, but I do want to quickly mention how grateful I am that lockdown has allowed me to spend so much time with my partner. Also furloughed from work, he too is working on his own business and I have really enjoyed spending time together working on our separate ambitions. Whether we have been battling it out for space on our ‘office’ table (I use the term loosely, because we share a studio flat), or enjoying the sunshine in our sliver of outside space whilst we work, I have really enjoyed every second.
What have you loved most about these super challenging times? Let me know in the comments below, and stay safe!
Ellies London 
Miss you my darling. Roll on the lifting of lockdown.😉
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For absolute certain! Whilst I have tried to make the best out of the situation for the past few months, I am soooo ready for it to be lifted! x
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One of the things I too have enjoyed about quarantine was being at home, but how could you hate bananas!? 😂
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I know! 😂 I just don’t like the smell or the texture 🙈🍌
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I’ve loved the fact I work from home all the time. This period has made me very thankful that I haven’t had to change too much about my daily routine. And I hate when people get too close in public too so a little bit of extra distance is nice. Although I can’t wait to be able to go for dinner and drinks with my friends again…x
Sophie
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Right?! I think the choice of where to go for that first meal will just be impossible! 😂 It’s great that you didn’t need to change much about your routine 💜 working from home is the best x
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Your food looks amazing! My husband and I were cooking the first few weeks but we’ve been super lazy and would mostly order delivery. But we still have to cook because ordering out gets expensive! We’re homebodies and enjoy staying in but lockdown has us going a little stir-crazy.
https://hannahonhorizon.com/
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Thank you so much 💜 and yesss! Stir crazy is the right term for sure! I love being in the house (when I WANT) buy when I’m made to stay in it’s so 🤨😣.
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It’s good to look for the positives in this situation! It’s been super weird working from home this past two months (almost three now), but I’m saving time on the commute definitely!
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Oh its lovely to see you back and what a great post! I am so pleased that the freelance work is going so well for you, what an amazing thing to build on during this time.
I have also loved being at home, I am back to work next week and already missing the idea of being at home with Rob and the boy so much.
Take care x x
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I think some of us need a warning as to when we are going back to work so we can prepare! I have at least three more weeks apparently 😬. I have really tried to put my time to the best use I can! I hope you find going back to work ok 😘 x
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Great post! You got to make the best out of a bad situation 🙂 Sounds great that you have had more time to freelance and cook (I don’t really like bananas either). Also yeeess to the social distancing comment! I hate people being tooo close to me, and even like touches on my shoulders or arms it just urghhh. However, this social distancing has meant people need to stick to rules and that is great for me in that sense haha! Stay safe and well lovely xxx
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Thank you so much 💗 I needed to make the best out of the time I was given – I told myself it was a once in a life opportunity so I ought to make the most of it if I can 🙂 omg no way, I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like bananas 😂 I usually get a *how?* 🍌🙈. People being too close is the worst – hopefully we get to go out soon for a meal or something soon!! 💜 Stay safe x
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Such a great comeback post. As good as always. I love the pictures and makes me want to have another bbq soon 🤔
So glad you enjoying the lockdown. Keep writing 💯❤️
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I liked our BBQ so much – but I don’t think we are going to get the weather for it anytime soon! 😣
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I love how positive your outlook is! while there are definite drawbacks to isolation, I’ve loved all the free time for crafting and reading xx
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Thank you so much 💗 I’m glad you have had the time to do those things 😊 It’s important to try and make the best out of a pretty crappy situation!
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So proud of the fact that you have turned a negative situation into a positive outcome. Hope it goes from strength to strength and all of your dreams come true😘😘😘😘❤❤❤❤
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Thank you so much 😊 I have really tried to put my time to the best use. I want the best foundations to be in place for when it all ends! 🥰
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I’ve really loved cooking too – its expanded my horizons in this area for sure!
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Right? That is definitely one of the things I am most grateful for – I feel like I have a whole new section of my personal cookbook, of dishes I can now do! x
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I agree with these 🙂 the lockdown somehow lets us connect with ourselves and families. Although I also miss going out ☹
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Me too! When I think about not going out and missing my family, it really gets me down, so I wanted to focus on more positive things in an attempt to not think about that for a bit! ♥ Thank you for reading my post 🙂
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These are the things I enjoyed during lockdown too. Plus, I was able to focused on my WIP during lockdown.
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It’s great that you have been able to find some positives during these times too. I would have loved to have had more time to work on my blog – but I’m hoping to get a schedule sorted by the end of this week! ♥ Thank you so much for reading my post 🙂
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I feel guilty that there are some things I’ve really enjoyed during lockdown, but the fact of the matter is, with the personality I have, I’ve thrived in some ways. Taking a pause from the insanity of every day life has meant more time working on personal projects (writing and art projects for me), baking (sorry that you don’t like banana bread!), and more time with my partner. Also, I can not agree with you more on the distancing. I hate crowds, especially really packed tight crowds (clubs are a nightmare for me). If we can keep the social distancing after this is all over, that’d be great. Glad you were able to find the silver lining.
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I’m glad to hear that you have managed to thrive during lock down. It is quite an achievement! I don’t think we should feel guilty for having made the best out of a crappy situation. If social distancing was a proper thing from now on, it would be soooo good – I’d be so happy, especially in shops and areas that I tend to avoid when crowded.
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“Sadly, this living area is not mine, but doesn’t it look like a relaxing place?” Made me literally laugh out loud. A quiet chuckle to myself, but still audible. I’d bet the accent was a touch off, but still funny. This was an enjoyable read, as usual. It’s nice to know couples like you exist. I envy your joy. Around here the canons have been screaming. No love lost of course, or injuries thankfully. Last place i want to be is a hospital. So, by “1st bbq” you mean personally cooking on it, yeah? Not your first time indulging at one? Thanks Ellie, look forward to reading more.
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