Isolation made me do it.

Isolation. Lockdown. House arrest.

I have heard it called a variety of things; all of which have fairly to extremely negative connotations. Having been an optimist for most of my life (conveniently skipping over the notorious teenage years), I recognise my outlook will be leaning towards the bright side, but I really can't help noticing how many benefits there are to our current situation.

Before I go on, it's important for me to mention that I am by no means forgetting about the awful reasons behind us having to self-isolate. And my heart goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones as well as to all of us who are worrying about loved ones...and loved one's loved ones. I know personally I can't stop thinking about those people undergoing any kind of chemotherapy - Mum only passed away last June and I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for those trying to keep the people they care about safe. The whole situation is tough enough without adding another threat.

Having said that - perhaps because of all of the fear and anxiety, I have been concentrating on the bonuses of our indoor pursuits.

1. First of all, I think I may be connecting with people even more than I did before. I am calling Dad more than once a week because I have the time to. I am using social media significantly more (famously a judgemental 'social media is silly' snob before); it is an absolutely wonderful way to stay connected with the world and use it for good. After creating a Twitter account, I have learned so much and it has restored so much of my faith in good people. I know my neighbours names! We have 'spent an evening' with friends we haven't seen in months thanks to the magic of Netflix Party and Virtual Pub Quizzes. I can be sociable AND wear my pyjamas...what's not to like?!

2. Secondly, my priorities have shifted slightly. I wouldn't say they are completely different, but they have certainly been affected. Before this, sitting in front of the television or reading my book always came at the bottom of the list. I would feel guilty as there was always something else to do for work, or we needed to go and see a friend we hadn't seen for a long time; or we needed to do the food shop and clean the house. Now, I don't feel guilty. It's important! Life inside has made me understand that there is time for everything. You decide how much time to spend on what - but it is all equally valuable.

3. I love my job. I will admit that over the past few months when there have been some challenging students or lessons not quite going to plan, I've struggled. I've asked whether I enjoy teaching as much as I think I 'should.' And now I have the answer: yes I do. The students mean so much to me and I absolutely love standing in front of a class and helping them understand and start to use their own intelligence. It means more to me than I ever expected it would and it has truly become part of who I am. Working remotely has allowed me to really consider how and what gets taught; it has been difficult for sure - particularly the not getting to actually chat with the kids bit. We talk about feedback for the students; but we need it too! We need to gauge student reaction and engagement if we are to plan and teach effectively. The bright side though? I have put so much more thought into the progression of lessons, what they will get out of it and how my lessons can move beyond my subject of English and encourage curiosity and passion just for learning in the students.

4. Generosity. I have seen so many people on Twitter, Instagram and through stories on the news sharing their kindness and generosity. Online workouts being made completely free for all to access, neighbours cooking food for one another and donations of masks and equipment to our NHS workers. Something about all being placed in the same situation apparently brings out the best in people. And it rubs off on everyone! I like to think of myself as a generous person anyway, but this has encouraged me even more. I have sent little gifts to family, friends and donated to a few charities. It shouldn't take something awful to encourage a step back - but unfortunately it does sometimes. Reflecting on what is important to me has made me realise it's not money. It's people and the world around us.

5. And finally...the environment! There have been so many reports of the canals in Venice showing off their fish again; China having real weather because the smog has been reduced so much, and the pollution reduction with fewer cars. Maybe us all being forced to stop and slow down is giving the Earth a rest. A chance to recuperate and an opportunity for us all to see what can be done if we work together.

So that's my list of positives for the situation we are in. As I said before, I still wish this wasn't happening like the rest of you. But actually, stop and take a second. Think of all the benefits and let them propel us through the next few months. Together.