"Lockdown has been a total f**king gift for you..."

1 year ago, the World got locked down.

There had been a mega rush to get on last flights home, holidays postponed, businesses frantically scrambling to get kit to people's home to enable them to keep working, and what we thought was 3 weeks ahead of uncertainty.

Not one of us, would have ever thought that a year later, we would still be locked in, still not able to see people, still working from home, still not had a holiday, and still wondering when we get to "go back".

What a year this last 12 months has been

Life as we know it, is totally different. We've had many negatives haven't we? Job losses, anxieties over so many things, money worries, a desperate need for Vit D, missed special occasions, missed contact with our nearest and dearest, and ultimately, many have suffered the loss of a loved one, which will have had a devastating impact on many people's lives.

That said, we have also seen many positives; businesses pivoting (yes, I said it), new habits, new routines, new freedom, newfound admiration and love for the little things, an appreciation for the outdoors, and ultimately a new found desire to be connected to people. And hugs, a revived desire for hugs.

I have my own very personal story to tell of the last 12 months, which I've written and rewritten so many times for Linkedin but I can't quite make it work just yet. Once I get there, I will share it, until then, I'll keep rewriting.

My reason for this post?

Well, I think we can all say, none of us expected to be where we are today. What a joint journey we've all had.

Self discovery in some form or another has been a part of, I would say, almost everyone's lives in the last 12 months.

New habits formed, old bad habits recognised, and binned, new addictions (Amazon anyone?), new lease of life, new gratitude for life.

As a lot of you will know, I took to LinkedIn at the start of Lockdown 1.0 as a way of staying connected to my industry. I always saw LinkedIn as a platform the 'weirdos you don't know tried to add you'…..

Hands up, I am 100% now one of those self labelled 'weirdos'

And it's been life changing. And an incredibly positive journey.

I have connected with, spoken with, been reassured by, mentored by, laughed with, joked with, celebrated with and learnt with, more people that I am still YET TO MEET, than I have done with people I have known throughout my entire career.

What a life changer

1 year ago today, my life was falling apart and I was desperately trying to keep all my pieces glued together, little did I know it was about to get a whole lot worse, and effectively shatter, before it could be pieced back together, in a whole new form.

Now, 12 months on, I'm like a shiny new version of myself. I have learnt more, personally, and professionally in the last 12 months, than I have done in the last 34 years (FYI I'm actually going to stay 33 for another year as last year just doesn't count as far as I'm concerned, who's joining me?!).

My skill set is defined, and has grown more than I could ever imagine. My network is incredible. My health (mental and physical) continues to go upwards on the scale, and every day that goes by is another 'good day', but this time round I'm not afraid to have bad days. I am focussed, I am present, I am grounded, I am achieving my best potential, I can breathe, and I can keep my head above the water. In fact, I know now, that I can excel.

One day, when I get to tell my story, ask me about 'Bouncy Ball Thoughts'.

In the meantime, I urge you to reflect on the last 12 months of your life, and what you have learnt. Even if it's just that drinking at home 'because what else is there to do' gives just as bad hangovers as being 'out out'…. (champagne and karaoke on a Tuesday in the living room also may upset the neighbours...)

And if you'd like to hear some great advice on moving on to the next phase of lockdown life and moving out of the pandemic, take a look at the YouTube link in the comments of my post. I took part in a wonderful webinar today with some ACTUAL super women; hosted by my guardian angel; Jenny Elliott, coached by an absolute megamind; Cate Murden, and attended by 3 incredible business leaders (and real life super women); Karen Fewell, Lauren Stewart and Rachel Suttle.

Take a look here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Rrdx6rugs