Where many seem to be struggling with the pandemic quarantine, I’ve found home isolation, and the lack of social commitments, freeing. It’s allowed me to become more contemplative, and connected to the rhythms of family life. 

It’s not that I’m anti-social. I enjoy limited social engagements. But since I started my own practice some years ago, I’ve largely retreated to my office to work, read and write. I rather prefer some measure of isolation and solitude. I’m blessed to able to work from home and embrace a quieter life.

This has been helpful because over the past few weeks I have been busier than I have been for some time. Lots of people, both clients and non-clients, have needed help understanding and applying for the support available during the pandemic and reassurance that – with the right plan in place – they will get through this.

This Bank Holiday weekend is a welcome break, the first I have taken off since the lock-in started, and has provided some time to reflect. We face huge challenges, but isn’t that a good thing? It would be a great shame if we were to look back on this period of enforced isolation and had wasted a huge opportunity to do something worthwhile with the time we have been given. To face up to and overcome some great challenge.

As a result, I’ve thought a lot about the lifestyle choices we make, and the consequences of them. And, asked myself: What can I do with this gift to improve my life, my business and the lives of others?

It didn’t take long to find the answer. I need to invest more time in learning new skills and improving existing ones. The pace at which change is taking place is alarming and I need to embrace new and emerging technologies. And I need to simplify my life even more.

No one knows when the pandemic will be over but we can all be ready for the challenges ahead if we use this time productively.

Stay safe.

Noel Guilford