Lockdown Unlocked the Best Me

The lockdown was a time of stillness for the world, and in that collective pause, I found peace. It gave me the space to slow down because, for once, everyone had slowed down. During this time, I experienced the healthiest phase of my life—shedding extra pounds, feeling energized, and deeply connected with the present moment. My terrace became my retreat, where I watched the sky’s changing colors, the stars, the moon, and rarely missed a sunset.

One of the most unexpected gifts of that time was overcoming my challenges—food, which had always been my weakness, transformed into my strength. Fasting, something I never imagined I could do, became a reality.

After I decided to quit dairy, my journey quietly took on a spiritual dimension, almost without me noticing. Letting go of dairy wasn’t just a dietary change—it became an act of detachment for a bigger cause. I had to release my attachment to the foods I loved to stand for cows and calves.

The kitchen became my space to express myself, offering me the freedom to be creative. I found joy in making meals that were colorful and vibrant. Exploring vegetables allowed me to show that plant-based food isn’t just nourishing for the body but also a feast for the eyes. Through this journey, food became not just sustenance but a way of sharing compassion and creativity.

Looking back, it was a time of quiet yet profound growth. Now, when I feel uncertain of my path, Google reminds me by showing those pictures of that time. But still, I wonder if I can ever return to that person again."