Lockdown 38

Lockdown Day 38 - 3 May 2020

The things we don't do as much during lockdown as we did before can be one of those life's embarrassing moments. Like when you go to an ATM for cash for the first time in 5 weeks. Putting your bank card in the machine the wrong way around and you begin to doubt what your pin is. Or, you go shopping, offer to get a few things for older people and then misunderstand the word Burger (a western cape newspaper) on the list for hamburger patties! 

But the things we got used to during lockdown which we don't normally do in public....... now there's a few funnies hiding in the wings. Like going to work for the first time with your slippers on. Or driving the wrong way, because after nearly 42 days (remember this is how long it takes to change a habit) the grocery store route is imprinted in your brain. Or forgetting those non-essential (I'm starting to hate that term) things at home such as your good old trusted lip balm or perfume. While we're on this topic, who decided perfume/aftershave  is non-essential just because it has alcohol in it? Is it considered essential to smell like a bull at an auction when you share a matchbox with others? And who decided pedicures are non-essential? Is it considered essential to be able to rake the leaves with your coarse heels? Who decided underwear is not essential? Really? 

Life hack #1: “Learn to accept your housemate unconditionally.......and remember to wear a mask.” Speaking of which, I know a mask is mandatory and I agree with it. But on a personal note I will have to accept that my hair and face will not look the way I want it to. Life hack #2: “How to wear your mask so you’re not offered a role in Silence of the Lambs.” And another thing, we will have to wear a mask for a long, long time. I suspect even after Lockdown. How is that for changing a habit. 

There goes our normal dress code. Wearing a blinged mask will definitely not soften the look. People who wear glasses should consider wearing a face screen instead, as a mask causes the glasses to steam up all day. While shopping I experienced my peripheral vision was also impaired. Life hack #3: “How to walk with your mask without getting injured.......get a walking stick. The whiter the better.” And if and when we are eventually allowed to be in small groups for work, training or even church, have you ever wondered how we will read each other’s body language without full face expression? Comedians/ speakers and actors won’t be able to ‘read’ their audience as effectively. Life hack #4: “Brush up on your hand signals. Make sure you don’t amputate your ear.” Shakespeares’s well known question is about to be changed, “To be understood, or not to be understood, that is the question.” I already see the latest course advertised online: ‘Corporate communication unmasked forever.’ And for those who have felt they’ve always been misunderstood , now is your time to shine!

Life hack #5: “Get a set of flashcards to make sure you’re correctly understood.”

Jokes aside, this new ‘normal’ is here to stay. Whether you feel like playing survivor or not. So let’s stick to the rules and find some fun in this. Have joy even if you don’t feel it. Have faith even if you feel down. And remember, God’s got this.