Essay Writing
the challenges of lockdown
One of the biggest challenges I have faced during lockdown is trying to engage fully with writing a reflective essay for submission during the first week of May. I thought it would be no problem! RGU kindly gave us a two-week extension (from April 24th), it’s a relatively short piece of writing (2500 words), and – I mean- what could be difficult??
Of course I hadn’t factored in how many times one of the 5 others lockdown with me might get bored, need advice, want a bag of crisps (yes) have a complaint, need to offload, want to question me on any topic stretching from ‘what time is tea?’ challenge me on some deep obscure theological rumination, (BRIAN) ask ‘ what country has the lowest birth rate?’…and cover every subject in between. Add to this urgent (and non-urgent) WhatsApp calls, zoom calls, skype calls and just plain old phone calls happening approximately every 50 mins from 7 am-10:30 pm
I can lock my door! I had thought originally. I had outsmarted them! I had come into lockdown prepared, managing to obtain an antique roll top desk (which was kindly delivered by the previous owners on the first morning of the new normal- thank you Anna and Lori! ). This was placed in a space I prepared the weekend before; I could sit and look out of the window while I studied, feel the sun on my face and watch the birds in the garden... I was so impressed with myself, I even looked forward to it.
This illusion came crashing down after ignoring persistent knocking on the door transitioned into banging on the window. I gave up!
Jokes aside, these are the small challenges of being confined to quarters. They may require time, patience, and humour, but my essay got written. I just needed to set my mind to it and focus, and eventually I enjoyed the process. Maybe it was the fear of not being able to achieve my goal which sucked out any creativity.
These are days in which we have to create new ways of processing, find inspiration in the things around us, rather than by hopping in the car and taking a journey, or going for a cup of coffee with a friend. Not all days are going to be productive, and that’s OK. The small things count. On many of the interruption occasions that I found frustrating, I have found myself laughing, enjoying the moment or having an important conversation that has allowed my heart to open a bit more. I will never forget this time with my family. Above all else I have been gifted time to engage with what is of most value. Relationships.
I think my reflective essay reflects that.