“How did we survive lockdown?!” By Tabitha Mary
As we see some light at the end of the tunnel, Tabitha Mary reflects on the past 12+ months on how the pandemic has affected her business, her family and her daily life.
“If someone had told me 2 years ago that we’d live through a global pandemic and had our freedom taken away by the Government I would’ve thought they were describing a rubbish film script. But no, my gosh, it’s happened for real! Can you even believe it or get your head around it? I certainly can’t. I feel like I’ve been living in an unreal dream state since last March, waiting at any point to wake up and for life to be normal again.
I remember the moment vividly, being told we were going into lockdown for the first time, being told the kids couldn’t go to nursery, my husband had to work from home, we couldn’t see our friends or family; it was intense. I burst out crying. Why? I’m unsure really. Complete mix of emotions but I think the most pressing issue on my mind was how I would run my business with no childcare and what we would do if my business didn’t survive. Tabitha Mary isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s our livelihood.
But, on the other side we can now reflect on what the last year has taught us and how we’ve survived. I know I’ve survived in some form of crazy juggling act with gin and wine as a staple! Should I admit that?! ha ha. But let’s be real here, it’s been needed! I never thought I was one to suffer any form of mental health issues, but I think the last year has pushed us all to our limits.
So how did we as a family survive? Well in the early days with no childcare, it was an intense juggle. My husband had to work ‘normal’ hours and so childcare and entertainment was down to me. The kids at the time were 1 and 2 so homeschooling thankfully wasn’t on the cards for us, but rounded play and entertainment was. I’m just so grateful the weather was kind to us! We went out on many MANY walks! One positive of all this is that we’ve really got to know the fields and countryside around our house which i’m really grateful for. Come bed time, it was role reversal and time for me to work into the evening. There was a lot more Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol watching than I would care to admit at times, but it was a case of doing what was required to survive.
As time has gone by the kids were allowed back to nursery and the juggle became more of a new routine and we settled into restricted life.
When I reflect back I don’t really know how we did it all, I looked the other day and I somehow launched over 100 new designs since the lockdown began!! HOW!? Is what I ask myself! But I think when we as humans are pushed, we rise to the challenge and don’t let things hold us back. Maybe the desire to be in the travel destinations I was capturing encouraged me?!
One massive thing i’m taking away from this pandemic is to be kind to myself and to be proud.
Tabitha Mary continues to grow, the kids are now 2 and 4 and thriving, super excited and happy to be reuniting with missed family and friends and life really feels like it might slowly be finding some norm again.
I’m so excited to be back appearing in Pop up shops, I’ve SO missed the human interaction and bringing new and different products to my local towns.
Is there a special place you’ve walked during lockdown which you’d like captured in a print? Let me know… I’m on it!
Hope to see you in Maggie’s soon, and to view my full collection visit: www.tabithamary.co.uk
Keep smiling,
Tabitha Mary x”