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Hello! How are you doing? I’ve not spent much time with camera in hand this last month or so but I have now arrived at a place where I want to try and make the most of what is happening both in terms of my business and with self care. The lockdown is a very emotive topic so i’m not going to get into the politics of it all but I would like to share a little bit of my view of it and a few of the things that i’ve been doing.
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I’ve been paying far more attention to nature than usual. We have been taking a daily walk around the woods next to our house and it’s had a really calming effect. Watching over just a few weeks how the landscape has changed. New flowers have arrived and others have left. Luckily the sunshine is really lovely at the moment so it’s been good to breathe in some fresh air.
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The first time that I did a lockdown shop, I felt really frightened. No one really knew how to navigate the store, the queues just to get in were long and people didnt engage in eye contact with each other. It was really unsettling and as I finished paying, I felt absolutely exhausted. I walked towards the exit and a very smiley member of staff handled me a house plant (if you know me, you know that this would make it the best day ever) completely free of charge and he wished me a nice day. I immediately felt better. Despite all the upheaval and uncertainty, people are still kind and are supporting each other.
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I’ve attempted two home hair cuts now. This was after the first one. Luckily he’s not ended up looking like an inmate! We have also had so much fun doing face time chats with our nieces using the fun emoji filters. They absolutely love it.
We’ve been having lots of video calls with friends and family. If you haven’t discovered it yet, try Quiplash. It’s a multi player game that can be played via zoom and it’s pretty hilarious.
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We welcomed another beautiful girl to our family a few weeks back. My sister was an absolute rock star and delivered in just a few hours. Having her be in hospital and potentially be at risk was really scary but she rocked it and the staff ensured that she was discharged quickly. I cannot wait for aunty Laura cuddles.
I’ve been listening to 90s music a lot recently and demonstrating some dodgy dance moves. Isn’t it the happiest music there is? If you’re a similar age to me, you might appreciate Fearne Cotton’s 90’s podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000gn3r
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When lockdown first happened, I went through some pretty big emotions. Constant anxiety, tears, anger…it was pretty bad. I think a lot of self employed people experienced the same thing as we stared into the void that used to be our full diaries. A little trick that I found that helped me to feel a little more positive is a success list. I love a list. List making, colour coding said lists and crossing stuff off is really motivational for me but I was finding that having a to do list put me under too much pressure and I would find myself staring into space and not being able to focus. The success list flips the to-do list on its head. Instead of writing down what you need to do, write down what you have done. It gives the same sense of achievement without the pressure of seeing how far you’ve got to go.
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We’ve really enjoyed cooking together and have made the ‘lockdown banana bread’ a few times. When we went into lockdown, I was certainly guilty of eating everything in sight. At that point food was a comfort. I was that person in the discounted easter egg aisle. The last week has seen a shift in how i’m feeling about food and i’m focussing on making healthier choices because of the benefit it will have on my mental health. It’s good to be able to take the time to look after myself a bit. Normally at this time of year, service station food would become a food group for me.
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This month my business turned 10 years of age! The last 10 years have been stuffed full of weddings and families sessions. I’ve laughed and I’ve cried. I’ve eaten a lot of cheese and cake. I have met so many incredible people and have made tons of life long friends. I’ve watched so many of my couples grow their families and have been there to photograph even more special moments. Today I have had a look back through the archives and honestly it’s a little emotional. Even now I can’t believe that I get to do this job and that because of you guys. You have given me such fulfilment in life and I am eternally grateful. You guys are the best. Long may it continue.
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A positive of lockdown for me is seeing how people still manage to create in difficult circumstances. I’ve seen such wonderful examples of art, photography, writing and some hilarious dancing. The lengths that people have gone to to bring smiles to other people is really special. We have never been further apart in terms of physical distance but as a nation, it feels like we are closer than ever.
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So this is just a little bit of the view from here. I hope that you are all keeping well and staying safe. I look forward to seeing you soon
Laura x