Na wa o.

Like play like play, it’s been three weeks now.

Where do I even start?

From the 2-hour days to the indecisive weather, the past weeks have really attempted to make a show. I have dealt with heightened anxiety levels and my productivity levels can only be described in two words- “the reverse”. I haven’t been able to get myself to write, and I hate to force it because although it may not show, I would know it could have been better.

My isolation officially started in the evening of March 22^nd after I got back from church in Port-Harcourt. Now, I don’t know if it’s just me but my relationship with my parents is better long-distance. The see-finish that enters after two days is like hot water on an unsuspecting chicken. E dey shock. I will just be on my own feeling like a guest and next thing I hear is, “Who did you leave these plates for?”

That is not even the worst of it.

Now, how do I explain to my mum that pressing phone and laptop cannot cause loss of appetite? She heard I hadn’t taken my breakfast at 8-ish p.m one day and next thing she goes, “Amarachi, you’re endangering your life. You need checkup.” Please send help!

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In an attempt to rescue my productivity index, I have tried to shoot content and create, but it doesn’t help that the lighting here is not cooperating. On another hand, I have had to put deliveries for my thrift store – Shop Alma on hold till the lockdown is over, and to be honest, I love the fact that I have one less thing in my daily routine.

Speaking of daily routines, my days have been inexplicably short and the hours are grossly unaccounted for. No to-do list, no written plans, just vibes. In fact, the most clownish move I have made since this started has to be me waking up one day by 11 a.m and picking up my book of the month – “The 5 a.m Club”.

Let me not even get started on my reading habit, that was disjointed too, until recently. Now, things have taken a positive turn. I have started reading more frequently, and I can coordinate my emotions enough to write. That’s the only way you’re reading this blog post.

I was doing dishes today, and for the first time in three weeks, I felt THE spark. I knew today was the day I picked up my laptop and started to write. Hours later, here I am. I have a whole lot to fill you guys up on – especially on my budget trip to Cotonou last month. I poured my heart out in detail in the travel guide I created and that’s why I’ve really not been so up to blogging about it. (Get the guide here)

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If anything, putting together this travel guide is one good thing that has come out of this isolation and I’m grateful, especially to everyone who has gotten their copy. I’m so happy to have my writing mojo back and one thing is certain – I’m going to overdo it lol. I’m going to blog for the rest of the lockdown and keep you updated and encouraged.

I understand that the news and social media at this time can be depressing and make you anxious. I also get it if you feel like you’re not being as productive as you would like. Truth is, we’re all winging it. None of us saw this coming, neither has anyone been here before. So, feel free to create your own definition of “productive”. And I’m not just saying this because I need to feel better for not doing any thesis work. Cut off anything that puts you under unnecessary pressure and let your body interpret the times as it wants. Give yourself space to be. Your body will thank you.

That’s it for now. I know you don’t want me to go but I have to. If you’re new here, feel free to catch up on previous posts and if you’re not, stay glued for the diary entries. Please share if you found this post helpful and please leave a cute comment for me below. It would mean a lot. Also, I want to hear about your own isolation experience , so please share with me!

Till next time,

Alma