This article is one in a series of stories featuring real experiences, thoughts and feelings from young people living in Cardiff during lockdown. To see the other stories, please click here.
Q1. During lockdown, what is the most important thing that you’ve learnt about yourself?
I am happy with my own company and have enjoyed having the time in my garden, which I think has never looked so good. I have had time to go for walks, watch and listen to the birds singing, I was able to hear woodpeckers at the bottom of my garden. I have relaxed and chilled lots.
Q2. What has been your most memorable moment during lockdown?
Being able to work in my garden over the first lockdown as I have not been in good health. I was only able to work when I felt able to cope. I could only work for a little while, but I was able to grow plants from seeds, which I never really had the time to do previously.
Q3. Explain what things that you miss most from your life before COVID-19. How will you not take them for granted in the future?
I missed my friends, but we did the usual video calls, chats and quiz, which I must admit I really enjoyed. I was able to carry on with my Tai Chi classes, which I felt was extremely beneficial. I do miss popping out to the shops for certain ingredients for my cooking. I do not miss the crowds. Also, this is the first time in years I have not had colds or felt ill during the lockdown, so this must show that people generally are germ carriers and with my low immune system, I have really been lucky in a strange way.
If you are affected by anything that has been mentioned in Lillians’s story, please talk to Meic, a confidential helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. Contact Meic in Welsh or English – it’s up to you! They are open 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. You can contact them by phone (080880 23456), text message (84001) or online chat. It is a free service for everyone.