Covid-19 has taken the world by storm. It’s not an overstatement or an exaggeration – it’s the scary truth and it’s affecting us all. I personally have struggled to settle my mind since it all started. I wrote a list of all of the people that my heart goes out to during this difficult time, and it continues to grow by the day..
“The elderly, the medically vulnerable, those without homes to feel safe in, those worried for their livelihood, those unable to buy their essentials for whatever reason, those stuck in hospitals, hospices and retirement homes without visitors, those stuck at home unable to see or comfort their loved ones, the parents who feel guilt because they can’t provide answers to their children’s questions, the teachers who feel like they‘ve had their passion snatched away and the supporting staff that feel powerless to help, the children who can’t go to school anymore, the NHS workers who are under immense pressure to push themselves even further than they already do, anyone who fears catching the virus, anyone with a mental illness that cruelly exacerbates that fear, and anyone who is doing a fine job of acting like they‘re okay when they really aren’t.”
We’ve all heard the shocking facts and statistics, and I think I can speak for most people when I say that we’ve probably all experienced an internal panic at some point. But I don’t want to blog about that, or the current restrictions on ‘life as we know it’. I want to draw on the positive elements that come out of this strange situation. I want to remind myself and yourself of the things that really matter – the things right in front of us that we often don’t notice because ‘life as we know it’ gets in the way. I want to write about the beautiful moments that you might have to look a little harder to see. It is pointless to assure anyone that “it will all be okay” and that “things will get better” as we don’t know exactly when that will happen. But there is no limit to the amount of good things that can stem from the bad. Around us, people are losing their money, their jobs, their minds, their lives, their family members and their hope. Yet we are surrounded by persistently powerful examples of love, care and kindness.
We have been advised to self-isolate for days In our own homes now and I’ve had a few moments of feeling truly blessed within that time. I have honestly and truly appreciated every second that I have shared with my husband so far. Yes, I have cried, and yes, I have panicked, but he has been there to reassure me every time. I’ve also had the opportunity to relish everyday moments that I normally wouldn’t even register – like my nosy little rabbit Keefa bounding up towards me to watch me working (see the picture below!) and enjoying a virtual quiz with some of my family and friends. Most notably, I have been reminded of the importance of actually talking. Not Facebook messaging, not Whatsapping or Snapchatting – actually picking up the phone and asking your loved ones how they are. Don’t hesitate to do it. Something so simple can make someone’s day and can also fill your heart with pure love in the process.
Look after yourselves.
bex the blogger 