#iso has been difficult, fun, slow, fast, annoying, exhilarating – so many feelings, like a rollercoaster ride.
Each day, my family and I have tried to get outside for some fresh air, to let off some steam, to re-energise and enjoy the sun. Last week, my hubby, daughter, Evie, and I grabbed our basketball and strolled down to the park. When we got there, Evie wanted to play a game called “King’s Key”. For those of my vintage, it’s like “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?”
And for those who have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s a quick run-down. Person A (the king) stands about 100 metres away from the rest of the players, and puts down an object that represents the king’s key. We use a basketball; others use a drink bottle. Person A turns their back to the rest of the group, who have to sneak up, then freeze before Person A turns around. If anyone in the group is moving, the group has to go back to the start. The premise of the game is to get the “key”, then run to the beginning, shouting, “I have the key!”
You can imagine how bloody ridiculous this looks with a six-year-old and their parents, right? Yeah, that’s us.
So, we’re playing King’s Key because we are ace parents, and I am the king. I turned around, expecting to see Evie and my husband creeping up on me, but to my surprise (and delight), an extra person (her name was Sarah) and her dog were playing. Sarah and her dog, Max, played with us until it was time for us to leave. Everyone had a great time and said we should totally do this again. Sarah, who was in her mid-30s, said she would bring her friends.
What struck me was that while this situation was a little odd, it probably wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for social isolation. Sarah lived on her own and said she hadn’t spoken to anyone in a while. We “just looked like we were having fun,” so she decided to join us.
You see, it’s all about connection
It was about connection before iso. It’s about connection now that we have been in iso, and it will be when we get out of the COVID-19 lockdown (any day now or is that wishful thinking?).
Human connection is where it’s at. There is nothing better than connecting with others, having fun, hanging out and having a few laughs.
For me, the real takeaway from our game in the park was that while Sarah needed the connection, we needed it just as much. She made us laugh and played silly games with us, and I was so grateful to meet her and Max.
What will you do?
People keep asking questions like, “What will you do when iso is over? What will you keep doing? What will you take or not take into the ‘new normal’?”
But for me, the question is, “What gives you joy?”
Human connection brings me joy, in everyday life and with the women I coach, so that’s what I will keep when we’re “out”!
What gives you joy?
I’m Emma, and I’m a business and executive coach who believes wholeheartedly in the potential of women. My coaching philosophy is simple- taking action leads to results- and I love working with women in business and in corporate roles to take their passion and drive and transform their professional and personal lives.
Be enthusiastic, optimistic and energetic, every day.
Em x