Hi everyone,

As life edges closer to some kind of normality and lockdown restrictions are eased, I figured it'd be a good time to look back on the past 12 weeks.

I was terrified going into lockdown. Being a self-employed freelancer, I was worried everything I’ve worked so hard to build over the past five years would come crashing down.

I had to keep working, I had to make sure my clients were ok and, at the same time, I wanted to still be the best father, husband, son, friend I could be. People were saying we should use this time to learn new skills. Time? What time? Not all lockdowns are equal and, for me, time was at a premium.

But I was also incredibly lucky. I was able to keep working (and in the same way I normally would), I live in a stunning part of the world, I had outside space, and I was able to try and still make the most out of life.

Plus, I did learn things. And when I wrote them all out, it turns out I’d actually learnt a lot.

Here goes:

1. We adapt to our circumstances incredibly quickly.

2. We’re more resilient than we realise.

3. Time spent with my little girl is priceless.

4. But such hard work at times.

5. When the apocalypse arrives everyone starts baking.

6. In lockdown life, flour has a higher street value than any other white powder.

7. Challenging yourself is great.

8. Being constantly pressured by social media to do a challenge is less so.

9. Good weather makes everything easier.

10. Working out in the garden is a lot of fun.

11. Lifting in the garden is really hard.

12. Worrying about what people think is a waste of time and energy.

13. But encouragement and positivity make motivation much easier. 

14. More men should wear budgie smugglers.

15. The internet is a blessing and a curse.

16. We don’t need about 90% of the clothes we own.

17. People can be surprisingly brilliant.

18. People can be, universally, complete morons.

19. You learn who the good ones are really quickly in a crisis.

20. Making better friends with my neighbours has been a revelation.

21. There’s a world to explore from my doorstep.

22. Imagination is one of the most powerful gifts.

23. Roads without cars on are magical.

24. As are clear skies and fresh air.

25. But looking at the sea without boats pottering around was weirdly disturbing.

26. Running is surprisingly fun.

27. I’d be lost without coffee.

28. Wine is the nectar of the Gods.

29. Cooking and eating good food become total highlights.

30. My wife looks amazing with a shaved head.

31. Biscoff spread is addictive.

32. 10,000 kettlebell swings in 21 days is much more doable than it sounds.

33. Flying kites is mega.

34. Handstand walks are hard...but getting better.

35. I’m never going to be able to do double unders.

36. Doing a supermarket shop for two families is harder than quantum physics.

37. I really miss my Mum.

38. And hugging people.

39. And sweaty high fives.

40. Working out alone is great but nothing beats a Team WOD.

41. Murph is brutal.

42. My life is very isolated anyway and I quite like it that way.

43. Laughter really is the best medicine.

44. Crying over plants is a thing and it’s ok.

45. Teaching wrestling moves to a 4 year old girl is amazing - “RKO out of nowhere!”

46. Pants are overrated.

47. As is wearing anything but a pair of shorts to be honest.

48. Never read the comments.

49. There’s such a thing as nut milk bags.

50. Playing Fifa on the PS4 with my Dad who lives in America is a ridiculous amount of fun.

51. Sport is a huge part of my life and I miss it so much.

52. When law and order fails, the vigilantes will be old ladies in their 70s quaffing chardonnay.

53. Our scruffy little garden is amazing.

54. We're ridiculously lucky and privileged to have a scruffy little garden. 

55. Netflix is an absolute godsend.

56. There are worse things than being locked down with your best friend.

57. Seeing businesses be creative with what they do and diversifying has been awesome.

58. Not having the pressure of places to go or a time to be somewhere is really bloody lovely.

59. Being part of a tight knit community is invaluable.

60. The subject line “Your order has been despatched” has become far more exciting than it really should be.

61. It’s pretty simple to build an online shop.

62. Social media gives everyone a platform. Sometimes this is brilliant. Other times it’s completely overwhelming.

63. Sometimes the best thing to do is to shut up and listen.

64. Despair has never been far away.

65. Hope has been harder to find but, when it makes an appearance, it becomes much stronger because of it.

If you relate to any of these - or there’s anything you want to add - let me know! It’ll make a great follow up.

Enjoy the weekend and see you next week,

TT x