I’m Fiona Wrighton and I’m a freelance Marketing Communications Consultant and Mum of two. I support Jenny with all things marketing. 

I work part time and am lucky that I can fit my working hours around school times. At least until a few weeks ago when everything changed. 

If we’d been told a year ago that we’d be spending a few months entirely at home this year I expect we would have laughed. Until a few months ago, when no-one had heard of COVID-19, the idea would’ve seemed so absurd. 

It’s so strange for us to stay at home all day, every day, only venturing out for groceries, medical needs and daily exercise. No-one saw Coronavirus coming but it’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.

Like everyone I’ve adapted to our new situation and learnt a lot as a result of Coronavirus. 

I’ve adapted my work hours, so I now work early in the morning before my husband starts work (he’s also working from home) and then again in the evening once he finishes. This allows us to both do our jobs whilst also giving our girls what they need. 

I’ve become so much more grateful for the things I used to take for granted. Like the freedom to come and go as we please, to go wherever we please, whenever we please. I now look forward to our daily exercise/trip out each day and feel so grateful to live in a village with lovely green spaces. I also find I’m noticing and appreciating nature more than before, like the lovely spring flowers and the birds around us.

We’re doing our best to adapt and focus on the positives, but it’s not easy on any of us and I’ve learnt to be kinder and more forgiving, both to myself and others. We’re all doing our best to adapt to our new circumstances, but it’s all new to us and it’s natural that it’s taking us a while to adapt. 

I’m so grateful to the key workers who are going out every day to fight the virus and to keep us safe. But feel so sad that so many of them are losing their lives to the battle. 

Our current situation has reminded me that my family and friends are so important to me. Whilst we are talking regularly on video calls, it’s just not the same as seeing each other. 

A positive is that we have got to know our neighbours better, having conversations on the doorstep – at a safe distance – or over the fence. And my daughters have taken to drawing pictures and making cards for them. 

The extra time with my girls has been a real blessing, most of the time. But of course, we are all human and have our ups and downs.

When all of this is over, I hope we remember the things we’ve learnt and the positives we’ve taken from this difficult time. I know I’ll be a little more grateful, a little more aware of what’s most important and a little less stressed. 

How are you adapting to the home life? How have you been finding it and what are you learning from it?