Living Life in Lockdown.

Katie Lee's Man Ride Story.

By Black Sheep Cycling

October 18^th, 2021

There's no denying that The Global Pandemic has hit the world and its' occupants undeniably hard. In Australia, most citizens felt an overwhelming apathy for it's counterparts in both Sydney and Melbourne. Sydney WMN Bunchie Leader, Katie Lee shares her experience after hitting day 100 of Sydney's lockdowns and how she was able to focus on the light when the end of lockdown became a seemingly unreachable moving target.

We’ve probably all experienced some level of lockdown over the last year and a half. Luckily I managed to dodge most of the major outbreaks last year, so COVID had little impact on my life. That was until June this year…

I’m now entering my 12th week of Locky D, and although I’m coping pretty well, I’ve definitely had my days of low motivation. I also seem to be accompanied by a lingering feeling that can’t be described as anything other than just ‘blah’. It’s not sadness, it’s not anger, it’s not misery - it’s just an off feeling.

“Turns out this feeling has a name… 'Languishing'.”

"When you feel lacklustre, or disconnected, but you're not in notable distress"

According to Psych Central, “If you can't put a word to what you're feeling, but you know something is going on, you could be experiencing languishing. The opposite of flourishing — when you feel connected and purposeful — languishing is when you feel lacklustre or disconnected, but you're not in notable distress”

BOOM.

So, there’s a few things I’ve been focusing on to relieve myself from this feeling during these times…

Gratitude.

I’ve been trying hard to make a conscious effort to think about the things I’m grateful for, and even in lockdown - there are so many. My wonderful husband, the serene nature walks within my 5km radius, and my bike of course, are a few. I don’t write these down in a journal, or meditate over them every morning with a lemon water. I simply remind myself of these things whenever those feelings of languishing creep in.

Bikes.

Words just can’t describe the euphoric feeling of being on a bike - especially in a lockdown. The feeling of freedom it gives you, when ironically your freedom has been stripped to the lowest it’s ever been. The adrenaline. The self confidence. The sense of achievement. The list goes on and on. Whether it’s a tour of my LGA, or a session on Zwift - having my bike and being able to ride is a blessing and a key ingredient in getting through lockdown.

“I feel lucky to be part of such an amazing community of strong minded women, who are constantly supporting and uplifting each other.”

Community.

Leaning on my friends and family has been more important than ever. Staying connected with them through regular phone calls, zoom dates, and social media has been really uplifting.

Zwift Meetups are another way I’ve been staying connected with friends. The growing Black Sheep WMN Sydney Community has been able to meet up on Zwift a few times, which has been amazing. These meetups have provided a sense of connection and social interaction that has been largely non existent for the last 12 weeks.

I feel lucky to be part of such an amazing community of strong minded women, who are constantly supporting and uplifting each other. It’s so inspiring, and I’m so looking forward to the day we can resume our WMN Bunchies in real life.