LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY14

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Thursday, Day 14:

Today is day 14 of #LockdownSA2020. Charles Dickens wrote a novel with the opening paragraph, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” One could say the same about this lockdown period because there’s nothing ordinary about what is unfolding around us. Every lockdown day is filled with good news and bad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to people trapped in abusive homes or struggling with isolation during the coronavirus lockdown.

With the country fixated on the coronavirus pandemic, many of us have forgotten about the supermoon on day 13. It was the brightest and the closest to Earth so far this year. We are, for the most part, social animals. Isolation isn’t a natural state for many. However, we are part of the solution in “flattening the curve” to lower the death rate caused by the novel coronavirus. It is heart-warming to read about the production of personal protective gear (PPE) by staff and students at Nelson Mandela University. Motor manufacturers overseas have also indicated that they will be producing PPE’s.

Meanwhile, university students and matriculants are becoming more anxious about their academic year. Professor Jonathan Jansen wrote a thought-provoking article in a reputable newspaper today. He said COVID-19 is not the cause of the schooling crisis; it has just exposed how huge the inequalities in SA education are. How do you continue online teaching if most learners do not have access to basic needs like running water and electricity? The miracle of online platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Moodle and other technologies are worthless if most pupils and students don’t have access to the internet. This is a conversation for another day.

For now, let us welcome tomorrow, Good Friday, with hope and peace in our hearts. Tomorrow churches are live-streaming their services. Easter represents renewal, new life, and unconditional love as we come together to celebrate. Let each of us share in the sense of hope this offers for the world.

For those unable to access the internet for live-streaming, I would like to share this encouraging Bible scripture from Peter 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”

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LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 13

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Wednesday, Day 13:

Today is day 13 of #LockdownSA2020. I woke up this morning thankful for the good things, big and small, in my life. I am especially grateful for wisdom. Seldom is it a product of speedy deliberation. Wisdom takes time, but I hope it comes quickly for a certain minister in our government. Let me first share this quote before I continue. I love the quote, “Ego is the anaesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity.” It applies to beleaguered Communications Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. She needs to read this quote and then take a long, hard look at herself. Why? Because a social media post went viral showing her having lunch at a friend’s house during the national lockdown.

South Africans have become used to senior government officials behaving with impunity. They are supposed to be exemplary by sending a clear message about social distancing. It is a slap in the face of millions of South Africans heeding the call to stay at home. This morning the news came that the president has placed the minister on special leave for two months, of which one month will be unpaid. Let it be a warning to senior officials thinking of ignoring the lockdown regulations.

We are living in a time of unimaginable frustration because less gets done. However, let us focus on getting the right things done. It appears the government are doing a few things right. Yesterday we received good news that spaza shops and informal traders can operate under lockdown. Expectant mothers and mothers of new-born babies also received the good news that baby shops can trade during the lockdown period.

I hope to do some physical exercises today. There are hundreds of exercise programmes to choose from on websites and popular social media platforms. Those not in the mood can exercise their brains by downloading games on their mobile devices.

For some spiritual exercises, I recommend 1 Timothy 4:8 (GNT), “Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way because it promises life both for the present and for the future.”

World COVID-19 count:
1,447,466 Infections - 308,215 Recoveries - 83,471 Deaths.

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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.”

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LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 11

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Monday, Day 11:

Today is day 11 of #LockdownSA2020. Every day feels like a carbon copy of the one before. I’m living out my own ‘Groundhog Day’. It gets more difficult by the day to keep myself productive, focused, and creative. How much longer do we have to live like this? The experts are not sure. It’s not the most satisfying answer, but we must remain resilient.

We live in a strange time; the world has never been so clean in terms of mass personal hygiene. Unnecessary contact with external objects or other people has become an unofficial law. For every problem, there’s a solution, but that solution, unfortunately, brings another problem. The social distancing rule is an example thereof. It is aimed at flattening the curve and stopping the coronavirus in its tracks, but people are still out gallivanting and ignoring the lockdown regulations. It’s a global problem; the UK police had to chase people from parks and beaches while the same is happening in France, the US and African countries.

The message to stay home in order to save lives is obviously not getting through. A bride and groom, including their wedding guests, and pastor were arrested over the weekend in KwaZulu-Natal. The one moment it was ‘bride and groom’ and it quickly turned into ‘doom and gloom’.
The coronavirus has left nothing untouched in its wake. For all its peril, it has helped bring people together. Families are connecting more frequently as seen from video clips on social media platforms. There are a lot of unanswered questions coming from our children and loved ones, but one thing I know for sure is that everything will be okay.

During lockdown fear and despair have been nipping at our heels. It made some people turn to religion; others to conspiracy theories, or tackling new hobbies. During the lockdown period, there will be moments that we feel anxiety threatening to overwhelm us. At that moment, I always feel encouraged by the Bible scripture in Psalm 35:15 (NIV) that says, “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” Let’s stay focused and allow ourselves the time to rest well and use the opportunity to do some introspection (stock-taking).

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LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 10

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Sunday, Day 10:

Today is day 10 of #LockdownSA2020 and a lot of people are still not following the coronavirus social distancing rule. It seems like “All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." This is a quote written by the French philosopher, Blaise Pascal, almost 400 years ago, but still relevant today. The news is filled with stories of people being arrested for defying the lockdown order. Why not stay home? Are these people invincible? Could it be that some people are just afraid to sit quietly in a room alone with their thoughts? According to Pascal, we fear the silence of existence, we fear our thoughts, or dread boredom and instead choose aimless distraction.

Living under lockdown is not that simple. The homeless have nowhere to go. Poverty can be seen as almost working with the virus. As South Africans, we find ourselves in situations that we could never have imagined. Adjustment comes with uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. We all have to exercise some level of patience and understanding. A behavioural expert said one of the many reasons for the reluctance to stay home comes from extroverted people or those emotionally dependant on others. Whatever the reasons for ignoring the lockdown regulation, we must remember that lives are at stake. By staying home, we can save lives.

I recall friends and colleagues complaining about the lack of time to spend with the family or practice a hobby. Well, we are now stuck with loads of 24-hour days. We have enough spouse-to-spouse time, and parent-to-child time to keep those emotional chins off the floor and smile.

Finally, there are ways to deal with being on lockdown. Just a few clicks on social media reveals hundreds of ways on how to cope during this time.


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LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 9

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Saturday, Day 9:

Today is the ninth day of South Africa’s lockdown due to the coronavirus that in a very short time has become a universal malady. During our first week of national lockdown, we have found ourselves in situations that we could never have imagined. On social media and in the newspaper, we read about cancelled birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and book launches. We are left with the only option of taking time to process these losses.

Most of us have managed to adjust to the “new normal”, while residents in high-density communities struggle to adapt to regulations imposed under the 21-day lockdown. It makes it difficult to apply the social distancing rule while queueing for a government grant and pension pay-out. We see on TV how they express anger and frustration at the government’s seeming inability to get things right. While their actions are justified, we must remember the spread of COVID-19 has exposed how state capture under the government of Jacob Zuma has left the country almost penniless. Our president needs all the support he can possibly get to turn things around. We must stop being “keyboard protestors” and do our part, no matter how small.

Staying up to date with the latest news, views and analysis of the number of coronavirus cases can easily lead to anxiety and even depression. We, therefore, need to take care of our emotional health. On her podcast, Unlocking Us, Dr Brené Brown shared three learnings that have been life-shifting for her. These learnings could easily be applied during this lockdown period:

1. Anxiety is one of the most contagious emotions - that’s why it always takes down groups of people, not just individuals.
2. Calm is also contagious, but it’s a daily intention and practice.
3. We all have patterned ways of dealing with anxiety that are often set up in our first families. Understanding how and why can set us free.

So far, we have all been washing and sanitising our hands, but other elements need to be kept clean too. A regular daily measure is to clean the floors and kitchen counter regularly. Don’t forget to clean all doorknobs and handles as well.

Saturdays will for a while not be the same; the malls will be empty, and the food courts quiet. It's as if the coronavirus has stopped the world to let the people off. The rat race has made way for simplicity. Having said that, we have unfortunately entered unchartered territory, but I believe that our collective resilience and our ability to adapt to new circumstances will enable us to survive the pandemic.

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MY LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 8

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Friday, Day 8:

Today is #Day8OfLockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing havoc across the world. While there is never a good time for a crisis, the timing couldn’t have been worse for South Africans. History tells us that in a time of crisis, the first casualty is inaccurate information. I've seen how fake news and paranoia could spread faster than COVID-19 in communities. My plea is to double-check sources before sharing messages with inaccurate facts that could further increase fear.

Here are two accurate facts: (1) There are now more than 1 million cases of coronavirus globally, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally. (2) The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists announced a potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s hold thumbs and keep praying.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the timing of the pandemic couldn’t have come at a time when our nation is facing incredible challenges with unemployment, poverty and crime. I was afraid that the spike in abuse against women during lockdowns in Spain, Italy, China, Germany, Brazil and Greece, would eventually rear its ugly head here. Women in such situations should be allowed to leave their homes and seek help without fear of being arrested. I am sure that we all know someone trapped in such a situation. We have a civic duty to do our part, even if it is to send a "hello, thinking of you" message. The smallest of gestures can help someone in their darkest moment.

There is no shortage of fun and inspiration on the internet. In the USA, celebrities are lending their voices to bedtime stories aimed at lifting the kids’ and parents’ spirits amid the uncertainties caused by COVID-19. Locally a radio presenter and speaker, Liezel van der Westhuizen / @liezelonline invites followers on Instagram to join her live in the mornings for some ‘lockdown’ exercises. Another Instagrammer, Jade Voges / @jade.voges an actress, writer and model from Josi, does live Bible study sessions and even let viewers into her kitchen as she prepares her meal. A young man, Dylan Schovell from Port Elizabeth, offers free online classes for school children.

The proverbial saying "Every cloud has a silver lining" could be applied to the lockdown period as well. On the entertainment front families are posting the most creative and hilarious videos from their living rooms, kitchens and yards. These activities are the memories being made for future throwbacks. Social media platforms will undoubtedly ensure that it pops up on our timelines.

I am extremely grateful for the important work that nurses, doctors, teachers, shop assistants, petrol attendants, refuse collectors, parents, and all others are doing at this time. Let’s smile when we see them saving lives or just making our "locked-down" lives easier.

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#21DayLockdownSA