A ritual I started during the darkest days of lockdown was to check my Facebook Memories each morning. Somehow it helped me keep perspective. It reminded me of forgotten small moments, full of joy and meaning. And gave me something to look forward to, in the distant future.
This morning I was reminded that four years ago South Africa was on the cusp of its first lockdown. The days leading up to the announcement it was clear that our lives were about to change. Worldwide the Corona-virus was starting to spread. It was inevitable that it would reach our shores. But a hard lockdown was implemented to give authorities time to prepare for the expected chaos. There were talks of field hospitals, curfews, the closing of non-essential shops, restrictions on movement and regulations on contact with loved ones.
We had an initial three week lockdown announcement, but soon it was clear that it would be extended. And so we all started talking about levels, curves and waves.
I work as a Performance Coach. I help athletes and sports teams to prepare mentally in order to perform at a high level, consistently. As the pandemic hit all sport ground to a sudden halt. And so did my job. But I knew I had something to offer during these challenging times.
I started writing about resilience on social media. Using the principles I know to help people. Soon I moved these thoughts to email and as we progressed through a second year lots of my work moved to helping companies and employees with remote work and it’s challenges. I saw a new type of resilience developing. Resilience 2.0. And, as the vaccination roll-out helped society to open a bit more, I helped people to move out of their languishing phase.
As I reflected on the past two years this week I decided to start my own Substack Newsletter. To share my ideas and practical advice with a broader audience. I found that a personal newsletter helped people more than a social media post. And even though it feels like the pandemic is something of the past, most of us still need to be resilient and agile going forward.