Thank you for dropping into Read Write Learn Listen. This is the independent, on-line, personal space of one woman seeking a creative outlet to share her opinions, thoughts and ideas on literature, current affairs, theatre, podcasts and general musings with the outside world. Occasionally you might stumble upon a mood piece which has nothing to do with anything or anyone but myself.
I was born into an intellectual, opinioned, and close-knit household. It was not unusual for members of my family to take opposite points of view on a controversial topic, regardless of their private opinion, simply for the pleasure of logic-driven debate. I have lived in multiple continents and thrived in environments with people – my personal worldview is indelibly shaped by my varied experiences. The Covid-19 pandemic trusted upon me a strange and uncomfortable experience.
I was by no means alone in my experience of isolation, and many experienced tragedies far worse than did I, but my tangible experience of isolation was one of desperate loneliness. Distances over which I never batted an eye over in the past were suddenly prohibitive. No longer was my father a flight away, New York a red eye later, Fulham a 20 minute jog. Hobbies on which I had belabored were difficult for no logical reason. Time felt like an endless chasm in front of me. Remote working was debilitating seeing how much I thrived on human connection.
When London entered its second lockdown, I was determined to take responsibility and forge a brighter way through. The idea for this blog stems from this article that I read in the New York Times (Pandemic Proof Your Habits). Not only was this article an excellent articulation of the tendencies of our brain, but it germinated the idea of creating a new routine and a new community for myself.
I started this journal as a means of connecting to the outside world and creating an online community of like-minded thinkers. Here, I write about whatever happens to capture my attention – maybe a podcast episode or an independent organic farmer that I stumbled upon. I invite you, dear reader, to visit as often or as little as you like. I love hearing other people’s opinions and invite you share your own on the blog or in private.
Please note that all views are expressed are my own. The comments section is moderated personally by me. Intellectual discourse and debate are welcome. If you think that a comment should have been published but is incorrectly not, do get in touch.