Do You Prefer Life Before or After Lockdown?

Choosing whether to prefer life before or after the lockdown is a difficult decision for many individuals, especially when considering personal experiences and circumstances. For me, it wasn't a clear-cut choice until I realized that my life significantly improved after the lockdown, despite not having a disability anymore. This piece explores the impact of the lockdown on daily life, work, and social interactions.

Life Before the Lockdown

Before the lockdown, my life had some semblance of a routine that was disrupted by the uncertainty and difficulties associated with having a disability. My job provided a steady income, albeit not the best one, which allowed me to maintain a certain level of independence. However, I often found myself leading a rather monotonous life. I would wake up, go to work, come home, and have little extra money for socializing or activities I enjoyed, like shopping or visiting bars. Most of my time was spent in a small set of familiar stores, primarily for essential needs. This routine was neither exciting nor fulfilling, but it was a part of my life.

Life During the Lockdown

The lockdown disrupted this routine and brought about significant changes. Life became even more challenging due to the increasing costs of living and stagnant pay. My job situation didn't improve, and I found myself with even less money. Despite the lack of "boredom" and the absence of extraneous activities, the lockdown period was no less stressful. I avoided social gatherings and even home visits became rare due to the restrictive environment. For many of my friends, the experience was similar. They were essential workers, and their lives revolved around leaving the house to work, returning, and struggling with finances. It seemed that work became the only constant, and everything else was a burden. The lockdown brought out a darker side of human nature, with some employers becoming abusive and entitled towards essential workers.

Life After the Lockdown

Life after the lockdown brought a new sense of freedom and possibility. The physical and emotional burden of having a disability disappeared, and the social environment normalized. The return to the office or home brought back a sense of community and connection, albeit still grappling with cost-of-living pressures. The return to a semblance of normalcy was a relief, but the experience made me appreciate the many aspects of life I had taken for granted.

While many people would prefer to return to a life without lockdown, the significance of freedom and social interaction cannot be overstated. The lockdown brought about a profound change in how we view our lives and the importance of our social connections. The tranquility and quietness of the lockdown, while peaceful, is not something most of us can endure indefinitely. We need to engage with the world, make connections, and live life to its fullest, which is a clear indication of our nature as social creatures.

In conclusion, the lockdown had a profound impact on our lives, forcing us to adapt and prioritize essential aspects of our existence. While life before the lockdown was monotonous, the lockdown period brought a new sense of freedom and the realization of the value of social interaction and personal well-being.