We are now 5 weeks in our ‘intelligent’ lockdown in The Netherlands and in the global standstill. I think we have managed fairly well to adapt to the situation. Business continues through work from home as I am used to and client or team communications through emails and video-conferencing rather than face to face meetings. I used to have video conferences only occasionally though now it has become the primary mode of communication. Be it through Webex, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom or Google Hangouts. Whoever comes first with the suggestion for a video conferences typically sets the platform, so you have to get used to all these tools.
The family also has adapted fairly well. My kids are following classes through Microsoft Teams and are trying to keep up with the pace with their normal ups and downs. Social life has definitely become less, though we try to keep in touch with family and friends as much as possible through FaceTime and WhatsApp. Even my 80 year old mother is now using FaceTime to contact her grand children. Respect.
Though I keep having this feeling of restlessness not knowing when this situation will return to normal or if there even will be a normal again. I miss the weekly highlights of my kids sports games in the weekend. Watching them compete, and having a casual chat on the side with the other parents. I miss watching sports on TV. No Champions League, no Tour de France, no Olympics, no European Championships. I miss going to a restaurant or to social events in town, which we so enjoyed last year.
And I am getting worried about our summer holiday. We have been going for almost 15 years to the same camping site in Italy. Watching the kids play football in the morning competing with the Italians, Germans or Danes. Enjoying a swim in the afternoon. Having a gin-tonic with people that also are regulars at the pool bar. Savouring good Italian food. Life can’t be better. But will it happen this year? Hard to imagine though no decision has been made yet in Italy to close the summer resorts, so we keep hoping against all odds. What would be the alternative if we don’t have an exit by then? Experiencing summer time in the garden? Maybe we need to buy a detachable swimming pool to have at least some feeling of summer holiday?
I know, problems that are nothing compared to the many that are infected and those that are in serious health problems. Or those active in health care working 24/7. But still, this sense of anxiety is keeping me busy and frankly speaking also makes me less productive. I am behind with some of my projects and I definitely need to regain my focus.
Stay Strong
Comments