Youth voice – Determination in isolation

“In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” Albert Einstein’s words are a timely reminder as we begin our unprecedented ‘national lockdown’ journey.

In fact, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for to be more creative,to focus on mental or physical growth and to invest in our bread and butter relationships with those who share our living spaces, alongside embracing the technological means available to connect with others online.

Essentially, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to embrace a different, slower rhythm – all while protecting the public health, particularly that of the many vulnerable people in our community.

I’m no lockdown specialist but I want to suggest a few ideas for young people on the Coast as to how we might approach this time and find a silver lining and opportunity in amongst all the uncertainty.

For the sports-mad, how can you pivot and adapt in your isolation bubble? This may be the opportunity to become fitter than ever before by running daily, doing home exercise routines or focusing on developing ball skills in your backyard. I can guarantee, keeping physically active will help boost your mood when cabin fever hits.

For school and university students, this may be your opportunity to get ahead in present studies or explore new ones. If we make the attempt to increase our knowledge in order to use it for human good, it may not only make a difference in us, but also in our world. What extra books can you read to advance your learning and prepare you for making an impact in the future?

For the creatives, this may be your opportunity to soak in those creative juices! What song can you write, what instrument can you play, what book can you plan, what painting can you create?

Now more than ever, this is the time for unity. How can you ensure that no one in your social network is experiencing loneliness in isolation? Call your grandparents, check in on your neighbours in whatever way is practically possible and schedule regular video chats with your friends.

Set a framework for your day, establish goals so that you will come out of this national hibernation with some new skills in your kit, stronger family relationships and feeling personally accomplished.

Finally, please remember if you want to thrive instead of just survive during this time it starts with you. Be patient with both yourself and others. Be resilient. Season your actions with extra grace and love to preserve peace in our confined living environments. Take special care of your mental health by watching the content, thoughts and emotions you are allowing to consume your mind.

My hope for this time, is that through our united, concerted efforts, we can prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus in our communities.

But I also hope that these next few weeks will not merely pass by, but rather, we will embrace Einsten’s “great opportunity”.

Caitlin Watson 22 years old, is a former Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member and advocate for local youth. She has recently completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree at the University of Auckland. Caitlin helps manage The Hope Shop charity shop in Manly Village and is a Youth leader at a local church. She will write the Youth Voice column monthly.