• The Lockdown Diaries

    The Lockdown Diaries: One Year Later

    One year ago today, Boris Johnson announced that the UK would be plunging into lockdown. Fear, uncertainty and murmurs of what might happen had been rippling through the country for weeks, and I remember sitting cross-legged on the sofa, holding our breath as we watched the announcement and then springing into action once it was official; I had to get Archer, and I had to get to my mum’s house. Fast. (For those of you who may be unfamiliar, Archer is my cat. A large, vocal, ginger creature whom I adore more than any living thing on God’s green earth. One year ago today, my brother and I packed some…

  • The Lockdown Diaries

    The Lockdown Diaries: Are You Going To Let You Talk To You Like That?

    I once wrote about how difficult it is to say nice things about yourself. How if you were to be asked to describe a loved one, a close friend or family member, a partner, even a beloved work colleague, you’d have no trouble at all. Praise would come easy, come naturally. But to speak that highly of yourself? It’s virtually unheard of. At least, not without some sort of disclaimer first so as not to sound big-headed or boastful. And in a lockdown? Forget about it. If negative self-talk was rampant beforehand, it’s become a daily occurence now, no more out of place than washing up or eating breakfast. AND…