Here’s our latest edition to add to KB’s – #TheLockdownStories. We asked Bloco family how they’re feeling being in doors 24-7? What they’ve been doing? And the pros and the cons of #TheLockdown life. Why? It’s good to share!
This share is from David Hopley OBE, he’s the Chair of our board. Along with the other board members, he is responsible for making sure the Bloco stays running, and stays true to its mission…Bloco angel! David also oversees and facilitates our leadership programme, which any young person can join to learn and develop key leadership skills like resilience, time management, emotional intelligence and so many more. David is a leadership, business and management consultant, so it’s great to have his very experienced mind involved in what we do!
At the time of writing this, he had an injured hip and wasn’t particularly mobile. So, what does a guy who’s usually busy and up and about do when on lockdown. He follows some great advice that is! His method has been creating a good routine to follow and space!
Here’s what he’s been up to and how he set him self up to get through:
Name: David / Dad / Dave / ‘My Brother’
Bloco section: Member of the Board (Chairperson)
What have you been up to during your lockdown? I have been trying to work a strict routine in order to make sure I am being productive. One of the things I do is coach people and I am finding that many of them are struggling with the social and professional isolation. So, I have been helping them with ways that they can show up and be who they need to be as we all go thru this. One of the most important things is to establish a routine. Treat every day as it was a workday; get up at the usual time; dress for work and physically go to work (that place in the home that is now going to be where you work). Take regular breaks and continue to socialise, through platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams etc. Most importantly, finish the day on a positive note. But of course, I have to do the same myself!!
I am also making the most of this time to recover from a fractured bone in my hip, so using crutches to make sure I am non-weight-bearing – done 5 weeks – only another 5 to go!!
How are you feeling? Frustrated by my lack of mobility at a time when there is a lot I could be doing. Humbled by the way you all have responded to this and the amazing things you’re doing to help us ‘elders’ navigate thru this, day by day. In awe of how the world has found humour in adversity. Hopeful that we emerge the better for it all.
How do you feel about your teaching being off for now? I suppose my closest example would be ‘teaching,’ which I kind of do through running workshops, similar to what we do for your Leadership Bootcamp. I really miss the interaction with my audiences and making that little difference to their lives. In some ways, coaching does help give me the energy I get from that, but it’s never quite the same doing it virtually.
What are you finding difficult? Being there for others, be they my wife, children, family, friends or clients.
One thing that would make anyone smile if they were feeling down right now: Watch the Bloco New Orleans video and recognise that anything is possible if you want to make it happen and are willing to work for it. Seeing your smiling faces and sheer joy. Wonderful!!
David Hopley
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