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VANESSA, ZENOBIA AND ZULEIKA, Lockdown Day 364
Vanessa (mother):
Covid has made me reassess what I need in a consumerist way. I need so many less tangible ‘things. We’re wildly into style and the only stores I’ve missed are vintage and charity shops, street markets and boot sales. I’m missing having my friends in my home and being in their homes.
I’m loving a coffee on a park bench and will continue with that. My Covid year has been spent with my three daughters and it’s been a massive gift of unexpected time spent with them, which I’ve just absolutely cherished. It’s so exciting seeing life begin to open up again. I’m longing to gather with friends and family and I’m looking forward to working again and meeting new people.
I’ve just been vaccinated and see it as a superpower which I’ll use well.
Zenobia (daughter):
How has Covid-19 affected you?
The drastic changes to my life this pandemic have inflicted have been difficult to adjust to. The change in pace I initially welcomed and took time to slow down my routine and look after myself and do things I would never make time to do otherwise. But now a year on from the first lockdown, I find myself increasingly frustrated with my situation, the lack of freedom and independence I have in my life, the lack of opportunities and the repetitive and dull routine I now find myself faced with every day. I am a creative and I feel like the pandemic has taken its toll on my ability to create work. I have a huge lack of inspiration and find that not being able to have a social life and stimulating surroundings has had a negative impact on what I’d like to do. I also feel stressed about the year I have lost being able to explore the world and different opportunities, meet new people and embrace being young, although I have become better at not being so harsh on myself, and embracing that we are in unprecedented times and I’m doing my best to get through it.
What lessons has Covid-19 taught you?
It has taught me to make time for myself and have patience. It’s also taught me never to take anything for granted, as everything in life is so uncertain and can change in a minute!
Who do you live with?
I live with my family; before the pandemic I’d be living more independently in London but I spent the majority of the last year living at home, which I have been very grateful for as I am extremely close with my family and they’re a great support system.
What do you miss the most?
I miss spontaneity in my life! I miss being able to travel and explore but I think more than anything I miss being able to have a social life without restrictions and stress – going to my friends’ houses or going out with them.
Tell me a bit about your current situation!
Currently I am using this time to try and work on projects, I find having something to channel my energy into helpful and positive! Modelling work has also started to pick up again which is exciting and I’m hoping I can be involved with some exciting upcoming jobs.
Zuleika (daughter):
How has Covid-19 affected you?
The pandemic has affected many parts of my life, I’ve found being faced with such a violent cut off from freedom and lack of opportunity especially hard to tackle. I’ve seen my creativity and drive amongst other things suffer and that to me is so scary… I feel like the world around us promotes success stories from people so young and how they got to where they are so quickly that losing out on a whole year, now longer, has left me running in a race that feels like it’s already been lost. Being in the arts and entering my 20s whilst not being able to travel, experiment, meet new people, experience life and be with friends is overwhelmingly daunting. I want to be able to try new things, take risks, say yes to opportunities, I’m desperate to work hard to get to where I want to be; not being able to do that has been frustrating to say the least.
What lessons has Covid-19 taught you so far?
To take time to take care of myself properly in a healthy manner. I’ve been fortunate enough to find a way of processing and dealing with emotions that truly helps me – writing – and in doing so I’ve found something I love. It’s also taught me to allow myself to move slower, sometimes things overwhelm and I now know that it’s ok to take my time.
Who do you live with?
I live with my family, my mother Vanessa and my two sisters Esmeralda and Zenobia. I think we’re really fortunate as we get along so well, we were a very close family before Covid and have only really gotten closer since, I am so grateful for that.
What do you miss the most?
I miss freedom, being able to make my own decisions and having the choice to do something. I miss travelling, I miss going out and meeting new people, I miss being with my friends and the feeling of excitement as to what could happen next. I miss my old ‘normal’, whatever that was, seems funny to try and remember now.
Tell me a bit about your current situation!
I’m an actor and model, I also am planning a short film that I want to make. I’ve been in London recently and take myself on long walks all around the city which has proven to be a welcome solace. I’m also seeing things beginning to start again, I’ve got a couple of auditions and have had some work recently. I can’t wait to regain some independence, pick up my life, have fun with friends and work hard towards my goals.