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Lifestyle, Stories · August 24, 2021

Here’s How the Pandemic Made Me A Better Person

The last 18 months have been hard for all of us. They’ve challenged us in ways that we never expected or thought possible. As a result, we’ll be trying to fix a broken world for a long time to come.

Even so, in between three UK lockdowns, countless lounge outfits and too many hours of TikTok scrolling, I’ve managed to experience three major life changes.

Not counting the pandemic — I mean, I don’t even need to go into how difficult Brits have found being in and out of lockdown because you’ve all been there, struggled profusely and got the memories for life.

No, I’m talking about other life changes that are considered significant in spite of the pandemic.

First, I got married. After being in a long distance relationship with an American for four years, we managed to travel overseas and elope (post-lockdown 2.0 and pre-lockdown 3.0 respectively).

Second, I turned 30. Other women older than me always said that leaving your twenties behind was a major life event and I was lucky enough to be able to go out and celebrate this milestone with my loved ones in between lockdowns. My best friends weren’t so fortunate with their 30ths occurring amidst lockdowns, which meant that they had to wait months before they could celebrate properly.

Third, my American husband moved in with me indefinitely. We’re currently living with my parents while our first house is being built, and trying to adjust to not having to leave each other anytime soon. Usually we’re on borrowed time so this has been an experience in itself.

With all of this in mind, something remarkable has happened recently. I don’t know if it’s solely down to one of these events or a combination, but I find myself looking at everything around me through fresh eyes.

Not only do I have a newfound appreciation for life (Ross Geller, anyone?), but I feel like I’m somewhat changed for the better.

Here's How the Pandemic Made Me a Better Person

1. I’ve Strengthened My Friendships

Let’s start with friendships. 

The pandemic helped me cement the bonds I had with my friends through continuous one-on-one FaceTimes and group Zoom quizzes. It made me realise who truly mattered in my life and who I want to spend my time with going forwards. 

On the other hand, the pandemic also made me reflect on the friendships I no longer have, heal from negative experiences and reach out to those who I felt like I needed to make amends with. 

I have more gratitude for the people I’ve chosen to love unconditionally and our relationships have never felt so rock solid. This is probably, in large part, down to the fact that our communication has been spot-on. There has been less doing and more talking than ever before because of not being able to see them as often face-to-face.

2. I’ve Learned to Love Myself

Speaking of relationships, I actually have a positive and healthy one with myself now.

I’ve spent more time with myself than ever before and grew to not only love myself, but to also look after myself better. I have this new desire to be the best version of myself, keep my flaws in check and stop being such a perfectionist (because perfectionism doesn’t exist).

(And trust me, this is a difficult process that doesn’t happen overnight, but I’m determined to get there!)

This self-improvement isn’t just mental, I’ve also managed to get in shape physically. Joe Wicks was my hero, like many others’, in the first lockdown with his YouTube workouts getting me through some pretty dark days. Now I’ve even started to integrate other fitness influencer workouts into my weekly exercise regime.

It’s taken a long time but I’m much more accepting of myself these days. I’m also kinder to myself and practice positive self-talk instead of constantly putting myself down — and this in itself is groundbreaking.

3. I’ve Sorted Out My Priorities

Given the fact that we’ve had so much more time on our hands, I’ve had the chance to reflect on both who and what’s important.

I’ve put time and thought into self-care, but I’ve also put time and thought into what’s happened in my life so far. By reading self-help books and following positivity influencers on social media (I’m looking at you, Vex King), I’ve had time to process and heal from bad experiences in my life.

I’ve also had time to look at how much I’ve achieved so far in my life and pat myself on the back for my wins. I’ve written down my future goals and aspirations and I’m more inspired than ever to live a life of my dreams.

After all, there’s something about your health (and essentially your life) being threatened that really puts things into perspective. Right?

4. I’ve Found New Hobbies and Interests

As well as working out and doing HIITs at home (which I never did prior to the pandemic), I’ve tried more new things.

Yoga and meditation were always on my to-do list and now I’ve managed to tick them both off. Yoga is a new love of mine for helping me to stay calm and relaxed in stressful times. And spoiler alert: the first time I tried meditation, I cried.

But then there are all the other hobbies that I used to love growing up and I’ve picked back up. I’m talking about hiking, baking, reading and journalling, to name a few.

It’s felt empowering to reach the peaks of beautiful countryside, visit the baking aisle in the supermarket again, check and recheck Amazon’s book chart for new releases, and pull out my old journal from the back of a drawer.

Why? Well, because it shows I’m being kinder to myself than I was previously. I’m allowing myself to do the things I enjoy, which is only making my days brighter as the dark cloud of the pandemic hovers over them.

5. I’ve Realised There’s More to Life Than Work

Professionally, I’ve turned a corner too. After considering what I wanted my life to look like, I’ve streamlined my business for the future. I’ve focused on what really matters, cut the fluff and redefined my career goals.

Now I’m just taking all the necessary steps to achieve them.

It’s also been reaffirmed to me that if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. There’s so much more to life than a job. It does not define you or your happiness.

That’s why we should all live every day like it’s our last. Time is precious and we’ve had so much of it recently, which can only better prepare us for our future selves. Let’s not take the good things in life for granted and try to remember that there’s always a lesson to be learned from the bad.

Case in point: the pandemic has taught me to be more thoughtful, well-rounded and kindly — and it’s given me more clarity and integrity. And for all of this, I’ll forever be grateful.

Pandemic Effects
Pandemic Made Me a Better Person
Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

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MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
#virtualstyling #virtualstyle #virtualstylists #virtualstylist #travelcapsule #travelthursday #travelcapsulewardrobe #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportfashion #airportlook #airportlooks #travellook #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #millennialfashion #outfitideas4you #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkeurope #ltktravel #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100
Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
#bottomlessbrunch #goingoutoutfit #zarashirt #zarastyle #springlooks #springlook #oversizedshirt #straightjeans #topshopstyle #topshopgirls #jeansandanicetop #millennialfashion #sheingb #outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
#airportdiaries #airportsecurity #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltipstuesday #traveltips101 #traveltuesday #traveltuesdays #tblogger #tbloggers #tblogs #tbloggersuk #travelbloggervibes #travelblogs #travelbloggerslife #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #leedsbradfordairport #leedsbradford #manchesterairport #tripplanning #tripprep #holidayprep
“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
#liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #ltkeurope #ltkunder100 #ltkfashion #ltkstyle #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #sheingb #sheinforall #vacationdress #holidaydress #summerdresses #anotheroutfitpost #outfitblog #outfitbloggers #outfitblogger #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #bloggerstyle #fbloggerstyle #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #styleblogging
Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
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