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Silver Linings


I was listening to Kerrang! Radio the other day and the presenter said something that really stuck with me: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your future plans.” That’s certainly fitting right now.

Jon Mahon, the presenter, spoke about the importance of seeing the silver linings during difficult times such as this pandemic. I love listening to him in the mornings. Not only does he play some absolute bangers, but he tries to keep his listeners positive. He convinced me to see my own silver linings, after feeling upset after my degree show got cancelled.

Like me, you should write down your own silver linings and perhaps stick them up on your wall. Read them whenever you’re feeling down or bored. Here are the things keeping me going during lockdown.

1. Less pressure to lose weight

Since January, I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself to lose weight by a certain date. To be specific, Slam Dunk in May. However, the festival has been postponed until September, as well as other events being cancelled or postponed, which means that pressure has been lifted.

In an ideal world, I wouldn’t have put that impossible amount of pressure in the first place. But as a recovering bulimic, that was easier said than done. At least now the physical deadline has been removed, and I’m now taking my time to lose weight healthily.

2. More productive

I’ve actually been productive during lockdown. Even though it’s only been officially a few days, I’ve been social distancing for a while now. During this time, I’ve gotten a lot of coursework done, more than I was doing before. I’ve also been able to give the flat a good clean. Right now, it’s looking sparkling.

3. Spending more time with bunny

Being home all the time means I can spend more time with my bunny. Although she sleeps all day, she does chill in my office all day whilst I work. Once evening time comes, I can enjoy playing with her and taking photos of her.

Time spent with pets is always well spent.

4. More time to write

I spend every day writing as it is, however it’s mostly for university or clients. It’s rare I get to just write for myself. Now I get to sit and write my novel as much as I want, and I can blog more often. Essentially, I’ve been given the gift of time. This is time I will probably never get again in my life. I have to make the most of it.

5. Running on my own time

Speaking of time, I get to run on my own time now. As much as I love having a set schedule to get me out of bed, it’s nice to not have to plan my day around lectures or work. Now, I can spend the day how I choose.

Honestly, I thought this would make me crack. However, I’m flourishing. I get up early, write blog posts in the morning, clean, get ready for the day, do uni work and do something fun or relaxing in the evening.

6. More time to listen to the radio

Lastly, the thing that inspired this post: the radio.

Since being at home all day, I’ve been listening to more of Kerrang! Radio. Especially in the morning as I get ready or clean the flat. I hope this is something I keep up when life returns to normal. Nothing is better than jamming to tunes in the morning, especially when it’s sunny. Plus, I’m discovering more music which is always great. 


I'm sure there are more silver linings, and they're something that I'll continue to search for, as should everyone else. We are living through hard and confusing times that we never thought we would face. Practice kindness, both to yourself and others. Find the light in the darkness.
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