Publications
Partners
"No, I’m totally fine."
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said this over the past three months. You see, like many other singletons and solo dwellers out there, I have been braving the lockdown alone.
I imagine when many people think of me during quarantine, they equate it to the scene in Bridget Jones where she’s sorrowfully singing All By Myself, all alone in her apartment.
Just me, myself and I in my tiny flat with little to no sunlight and limited human contact. There have been a few comments like, ‘I just don’t know how you’re doing this on your own’ and ‘How are you ever going to meet someone new now?’ from, I assume, well-meaning acquaintances.
But the truth is I am actually doing fine under the circumstances.
You might like | Zen and the Art of Household Maintenance
In order to maintain some sort of schedule I have finally picked up yoga daily, I’m eating better by cooking more meals and in the process my savings are looking healthier than they have in a while.
Not going into the office means I have an extra hour in the morning and late afternoon to read, meditate or go for a walk. I’ve also managed to make a new friend online, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Yes, it’s been a bit of hilly journey of sorts, with a few mental ups and downs but right now things are plateauing at a level of content.
In fact, I don’t think many people realise that even before lockdown I spent a lot of my time alone and – shocker – it really is not that bad.
I don’t get annoyed by anyone in my personal space 24/7, I can now catch up on my Oscar nominated movies and Netflix favourites lists, and with having to wear a mask in public, my eye make-up game has improved dramatically.
I’m not saying my lone wolf lockdown life has been all sunshine and roses.
There were a few days in the beginning where the most exciting thing to happen to me was when I eventually ventured out in the garden and had a Mexican standoff with a squirrel.
However, starved of real-life face-to-face interaction, I’ve also had more conversations with my neighbours in the past few weeks than I have in the year that I have lived here. Albeit mostly through my barred window when they walk by.
Just to be clear, I’m not some kind of Grinch. I am, in fact, very affectionate and miss hugs and time with my friends and family. I’ve just always been able to cocoon a little better than most people.
Then there are the moments that hit you like a ton of bricks. Like the fact that I missed my niece’s first birthday this past weekend and not being able to help my parents move to another province. Just being able to get on a plane and be with my family within three hours has never felt so impossible.
But I am totally fine. I guess.
-Kim Snyders is YOU's syndication Manager
