Highlights
- Allen Samson reconnected with his family and friends through virtual gatherings
- Benj Mudie focussed on improving his fitness and spending more quality time with family
- Being out of ACT lockdown means trying to get their lives back and rally forward
The high uptake of the Covid vaccine and the positive response among ACT residents towards the enforced restrictions paid off.
While some people had a difficult time coping - especially when public gatherings and household visits were prohibited - others thrived and enjoyed their time confined within a 5km radius of their homes.
But one can only look at the silver linings while in a helpless situation. A way to go is to move ahead and not let lockdown put a hold on your life - albeit easier said than done.
Filipinos in Canberra used the time while in lockdown to reconnect with family and pursued something that they could have not done if not for the free time lockdown had gifted them.
They chose to power through and remained resilient.
Families became closer
Allen Samson, a Canberra resident, rekindled his close family ties and friendships during the two-month-long lockdown.
“I kept in touch with my family by having nightly rosary prayers and talking about almost anything to distract ourselves from what’s happening,” Allen shared.
This helped Allen’s family from worrying about the pandemic and focussed their energy into something positive and worthwhile.
Allen Samson dining out with friends pre-lockdown Source: Allen Samson
Covid sadly claimed the life of his father this year. The loss was more painful since the grieving son can’t travel back to the Philippines to attend his dad’s burial.
“As we mourn our loss, we prayed together and consoled one another.”
Because of this, Allen’s spirituality also grew stronger and he became more active with online church activities to draw strength from.
This paved the way for him to meet people virtually and gain support during these trying times while miles away from family.
Online video call with friends and family was a way for Allen to cope while in lockdown Source: Allen Samson
Improving oneself for a healthier lifestyle
Besides strengthening family ties, some people used the time to focus on their physical health and get back in shape.
Benj Mudie, instead of going easy with his diet and being a couch potato, figured early on that he can use the time during lockdown to restart his journey to a healthier version of himself.
“Lockdown freed about three to four hours a day for me. The restrictions have forced us to take advantage of the time allowed to spend outdoors,” Benj recalled.
Benj with wife Rich sweating it out and keeping an active lifestyle pre-Covid Source: Benj Mudie
As a sportsman, he is never short of physical activities to do - from basketball to rugby - Benj knows the benefit of keeping an active lifestyle.
“I lost 7kgs during the lockdown and started to get my fitness back.”
“It was rare that I ever had time to enjoy whatever I was doing, or have time to do the things that made me happy, such as exercise or time with my family and friends.”
Seeing families go for bike rides and walks at Canberra parks inspired him to be active. Part of this realisation is to spend more quality time with his wife and daughter.
Benj’s daughter enjoying the spring pony ride at a Canberra park Source: Benj Mudie
“I was always conscious of the time and rushing through everything. Now, I have spent more time playing and talking to my daughter and had more family time.”
The way forward
Not everyone has the same experiences as Allen and Benj. It was truly a challenge to remain positive when the languishing situation takes a toll on people’s health and finances.
Finding pockets of inspiration and mustering courage to march on were the real battle for people who are stuck and restrained.
It just goes to show that in times like these, you can either let Covid defeat you or look at its consequences as an opportunity to work on something different.
Now that the ACT is free again, may this reignite the fire we all used to have and reclaim the life we live best pre-lockdown.
“It’s time for us to start moving forward with the virus and try to get our lives back.”
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