LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 12

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Tuesday, Day 12:

Today is day 12 of #LockdownSA2020. In this unfolding of historic change, we have been guided by social distancing regulations aimed at beating a new, deadly virus called COVID-19.

Each morning since the start of the 21-days lockdown, most of us rise to meet another day with a certain quantum of emotional energy. Others are sadly already drained as the sun rises. To think that it was only 13 days ago that physical activity like walk, run and flying was an indispensable part of our daily routine.

We live in an unprecedented era with unprecedented problems. Hoaxes, conspiracy theories and fake news have been abundant since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. People continue to share false information on social media or via WhatsApp. This is frightening stuff, but I would like to focus on the impact of the lockdown measures on the youth.

We are faced with a ‘new’ lifestyle and the anxiety proves to be particularly devastating to young people. It would seem that simplicity is not a trendy fad for the youth. Simple lifestyles, or something resembling that idea, will continue to hound the young. They are craving socialising, open spaces, and the freedom of movement. Romantic relationships are on hold for now. To most of them, it feels like walking a tightrope…

I was a youngster and do identify with the youth’s dilemma to an extend. However, I remember my youth days in the absence of shopping malls, television, the internet, and telephones (there were no cell phones, by the way). My youth days were spent taking naps, having dinner at the table with my family, and going to youth evenings on a Friday. I spent my weekends reading, studying, playing rugby for my school, or a friend or two over to watch television, or listen to music.

I guess the simple life sounds all the more attractive as one grows older. Today’s youth would argue that they deserve a chance to experience life’s trials and errors. It’s a fair point. I am, however, reminded of the writer John Burroughs words: “I am bound to praise the simple life because I have lived it and found it good. When I depart from it, evil results follow…” I wonder if these sentiments will be scoffed at by future generations. Having our lives unexpectedly upended by the coronavirus, we do not know what is around the next bend.

For now, let us be part of someone’s support network even if it's only for replenishing their depleted energy reserves. I conclude my journal entry with this comforting message from Psalm 94:19 (CEV), “And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.”

#LockdownJournal
#COVID19SouthAfrica
#21DayLockdownSA