“What does a strong, independent house look like? You’ll find out in this video.”
Once lockdown has lifted, we will all be eager to reflect on how we have utilised our days in isolation, but what better timing for Taz Alam, since she has recently moved into her new home? Take a look at what activities she has been up to in her recent video, i lived alone for a month and this is what happened.
“I’m doing everything by myself, so I could not be any more independent if I tried,” Taz confesses, as she introduces the video. She explains that the factors of the pandemic and social distancing have made the situation more challenging than she ever imagined. This clarity was then secured with footage of Taz “doing everything by herself”. (That includes almost fainting carrying packages up the stairs!)
The video then continues with her premature reflections of moving in to her new home. “I wish there was a life manual or guide to help you be an adult, that gives you step-by-step processes on what you need to do.” She adds that she’s learnt an array of new practices she wishes she already knew. “The timing hasn’t been the best,” Taz relays, but instantly thinks of a positive outlook. “If I can get through this [by myself], I feel like I should be fine in the long run.”
We love learning something new and Taz immediately shares how she can use this time to manifest her interests. “It’s allowed me to focus on things I normally wouldn’t focus on.
“Today, I thought I would do some painting,” she conveys, unpacking watercolours and paper, after which she’s then seen drawing portraits, and with it being her first go, we were more than impressed! You could have fooled us, Taz.
She really shows a creative drive, conveying that when she was younger “she was way more academic”. In addition, she says, “The good thing about quarantine is that I am being as creative as possible.” From water colouring (which is harder than it looks), “attempted” dancing and baking goods, our productivity was immediately put to shame – she’s even purchased a water filter, “the most adult purchase” anyone could make!
“The thing that’s helped me is to keep myself busy and [as] productive as possible,” Taz explains, evident in the housework she has accomplished during a voiceover, from washing her clothes (in which 90% are pyjamas) to changing her bedding and bringing this segment to a close by decorating her roof terrace with solar lights.
The video then takes a turn, as she confesses how overwhelming the pandemic has been. “It hasn’t always been positive, great and fun, and there have been times where I have broken down.” However, she explains how she processes her feelings and emotions through writing, particularly poetry.
She then sheds light on the situation, saying how poetry has been a “good coping mechanism”. Taz loves getting involved in projects, later announcing her participation with the Isolation Poetry Project from Millennial Coffee Club. “I wanted to give a voice for people who are struggling,” she expresses. We can’t wait to read it!
As the video comes to a close, Taz begins to reflect on her lockdown experience. “Turns out, being independent and being able to rely on myself to do things makes me really happy, and I think, growing up, I always undermined myself,” she says.
She then shares the potential doubts her peers had regarding her dependancy, and in agreement admits the self-doubt she previously embodied, “I still don’t know what I am capable of, but I would never put myself out there to find out.” In observation, she says, “Moving out, there have definitely been times where I have struggled, but when I overcome them I feel a lot better about myself.”
The video draws to an end as she creates a collage of core memories, whilst thinking about how her wellbeing though isolation. “I haven’t really felt bored or lonely, and I feel like I am quite good at finding things to do.” She further goes on to say, “This whole lockdown experience has made me appreciate the things I have been able to do, and once lockdown is over, I am gonna be wild.”
Taz then shares her hopes for the outcome of this difficult time, ending the video with the infamous High School Musical line “We’re all in this together”. She also wishes “Everyone to be healthy, happy and safe”, and we wish nothing but the best for her in return.
Want More?
Jessica Kellgren-Fozard recently shared her thoughts on the “warrior narrative” placed upon those with chronic illnesses. Alternatively, you could read about Andy Burns‘ thoughts on whether autism defines those who are autistic.
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