Howzit Inkwazi Adventurers,
Wow! So much has happened in the world since March, my last blog post . No one could have guessed that 2020 would be filled with so much change and uncertainty. All driven by the outbreak and spreading of COVID-19. Across every aspect of our lives (Personal, professional, social) there have been some impact... good and bad.
While cases in South Africa are stabilising, we have been in lockdown for almost two months... and this may continue for a while. Our government has implemented five stages of lockdown and we are hopeful to go down to level three in June. (We are currently on level four). I'm also grateful to hear that restrictions in Australia are lifting as positive cases have reduced significantly. (Charles has been keeping me informed in our weekly Inkwazi Adventure leader meetings.)
While the impact of COVID-19 has brought much suffering, sadness, and a lot of negativity, it has also presented some great heroics, many inspirational stories and some positive changes around us. We have all been affected in some way, and it has also forced us to to find different and creative ways to deal with the changes on our daily routines and way of life.
For me personally, there have been one key opportunity from the time in lockdown. The opportunity to use this time to RESET my life and establish new routines, behaviours and review my outlook on what is important in life. I wanted to share this as it may resonate with you...
RESET - Definition: to set again or set differently.
In my first week being locked down at home it did not feel anything different to perhaps a December holiday, with the exception of working remotely. It was in week two I noticed some changes in our home routine.
This is where the definition of reset is so perfect - To set again or set differently.
Here is how the lockdown has helped me to reset:
Slowing down: Before COVID, we would rush out the door in the mornings to fight traffic and race to the office. Instead now, we enjoy a cup of coffee together while reading the Bible and making time to pray together. All this before switching on the laptops to begin the work day.
Rest: Before COVID, I would wake up at 4 a.m. (Yes I know, for some this is still evening). Instead now, I have changed my alarm to 5 a.m. This means I now average at least seven hours sleep at night, rather than the 5.5 hours before lockdown. I can really feel the difference in my mental and physical well-being.
Read: Before COVID I would go for a run at 4:30 a.m, and then start the race to work. Instead now, I read something educational or inspirational from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. I also now make time to read fictional novels in the evening for enjoyment and relaxation. (My last book was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo from Stieg Larsson.)
Exercise: Before COVID, I could go for a run anywhere I wanted. Instead now, we have been forced to stay at home and therefore be creative with exercising. Anneke introduced me to crossfit, which we do on our veranda every morning. Now I can’t get enough of it and run and do crossfit exercises every day. (Okay, almost every day.)
Time together: This is one of my favourite resets - the time Anneke and I can spend together. We have been enjoying lunch together and in the evenings, prepare meals together (or at least, if I am in the way, I can keep Anneke company in the kitchen). After work, instead of commuting we can spend time together in the garden or walk the dogs around our house. My favourite is to sit on the veranda and watch the sunset.
The lockdown has above all given me the opportunity to reset my way of life.
I now have a clearer picture of the important things in my life and what I would like to focus more on. I have done a lot of introspect, which I believe is paramount to resetting one’s life.
This time of resetting reminded me of something I once read. It really resonated with me at the time, I thought it summed up the importance of using COVID-19 as an opportunity to reset really well:
Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit. And you’re keeping all of these in the air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.
Inkwazi Adventurers, I encourage you to use this challenging and uncertain times as an opportunity to reset. I encourage you to use this as a chance to set again or to set differently the important things in your life.
As Inkwazi Adventure Leaders, we have decided that our next tour to South Africa will be based on this principle: RESET.
Our mission statement and purpose is to change lives, one adventure at a time.
Our tours are designed as an opportunity to change the lives of those in need, while changing your life at the same time. Our 7-day adventures will enable you to reset, reflect and reconnect with what is important in life.
On our tour you will…
Reset your perspective on life.
Reset your compassion for those less fortunate.
Reset your dependency on technology.
Reset your beliefs.
Reset your connections with family, friends and nature.
Reset your what is important in life.
We would love for you to join us in resetting after this whole ordeal we have experienced in the first half 2020. So please reach out and connect via our Facebook page to find out more about our next tour and how you can be part of it.
STAY SAFE & STAY HEALTHY.
Cheers!
Cornel van Onselen
Inkwazi Adventures Leader