In no particular order except for the way that they came into my head...
1. Take-out is a luxury. It's great for convenience, but it's helluva expensive. When you are forced to, you can see how much of it you can make yourself, and the novelty of fast food wears off quickly when you see how much money you can save.
2. Teachers are hugely under-appreciated. The task of having to adjust to running classes remotely and on-line while actually doing it is no joke. Also I now know why ECD fees are expensive, and they are worth every cent.
3. Exercise is not just important for your ego. A mere 30 minute walk in a 2km radius in your neighbourhood can set a positive tone for your day, and be immensely stress-relieving.
4. I used to think there was a braai season. Traditionally we would braai from September (Heritage Day on September 24 is also affectionately known as "braai day") through March or mid April. We are currently on seven weeks of consecutive braaing, and counting!
5. Kindness is key! When you're stuck in a home with a couple other people, no one cares how smart or wealthy you are; they care about how kind you are, and how you treat them. Take that out of lockdown, and apply it to every area of your life.
6. A good sense of humour is a precious weapon in your arsenal of life tools. Sometimes you can't do anything but laugh at the situation - or yourself.
7. Understand and be accepting of people's differences. It is said you can tell people's true colours when they are put under pressure; also know, though, that people respond to things differently. Right now, some people are connecting with everyone they love; others are just trying to hold it together. Don't judge.
8. Having said that, in times like quarantine: if you have not learnt the new skill, started the side hustle, or gained the knowledge that you wanted to, perhaps your problem is not a lack of time, but a lack of discipline.
9. You can teach an old dog (mom) new tricks (culinary skills).
10. Technological advancement is a double-edged sword: it's wonderful to still be able to keep up with work and school, or be able to connect with loved ones you can't see in person, but there is no substitute for real connection. And because of that, children and teenagers all over the world are finding that even with all the likes, followers and retweets in the world, they are actually lonely.
11. This "homeschool" is near impossible if the children equal or outnumber the parents.
12. Trust the plan. Had I been a doctor right now, I would be on the frontline of this pandemic, and probably have to be isolated from my family.
13. Zoom fatigue is a real thing.
14. Psychologically, the weight of having to go to work is enormous. Despite doing the same - if not more - work from home, just knowing you don't have to go anywhere to do it frees up so much time and space to live during the week, and not just on the weekend.
15. Having "enough" is attainable. Maybe this goes hand-in-hand with the take-out thing, still: when you use what you have responsibly, and share what you have with others who may not have, you will always have enough.
16. It's amazing how the world can heal, and its beauty be restored, when humans are kept out of the way.
17. It's really not about the bike - ask your Dad :)
18. Make friends with your nuclear family. At the end of the day, they are what you have, and in unprecedented times like these, lockdown is a lot more comfortable and comforting when you are with people you actually like.
19. The law of supply and demand means that during lockdown you'll save on everything you don't use. Like fuel for your car.
20. Be obedient to the Spirit. If he prompts you do so something, do it. You can never go wrong doing what is right.
21. It does take 21 days to form (or change) a habit. Try it.
22. Never forget that children are more perceptive than you think. They may not understand what's going on, but they know when something is up. Be attentive to their feelings.
23. Always keep a couple of basic stationery items around the house. You never know when you'll need them - or won't be able to buy them!
24. Those who said they can't lose weight at home may be onto something. It seems adults and kids alike can make it through a work day on a 06h30 breakfast, and a couple sandwiches during the day. Just ask them to work from home though, and they need something to eat every two hours.
25. You'll be surprised how many women will not shave their legs if they don't have to.
26. I think every mother secretly wishes she had more time at home with her children. The moms of this generation have been given this rare opportunity. As exhausting as it may be, most would not trade this time for the world.
27. God's grace and mercies are new every morning. Thank heaven for that!
28. There is no such thing as job security. Everyone from the CEO of large companies, to the informal workers at individual homes, have had their income affected significantly. Choose to work in an area or industry that you enjoy so that the money you get paid to do it is just a bonus.
29. If you live in fear, you die in fear. Pursue peace.
30. Owning three or four interchangeable outfits is actually more than enough.
31. Some kids are just morning people. You can keep them up until 23h00, and they'll still wake up at 05h00. Teach them to make breakfast or a decent cup of coffee.
32. It's ok not to know everything. Sometimes, we figure things out in the dark, together.
33. The best things in life are free - kind of. The important things - family, love, companionship - they don't need tons of money to have or keep. But value them while you have them. Once they are gone, they are irreplaceable.
34. When you're expecting God to move, don't assume it will be in a way you have seen Him move before. He uses all things - high and lows - for your good.
35. There is always something - usually more than one - to be thankful for!
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