These are uncertain times. For many of us, we are unable to go to school or work; we cannot hang out with friends; the pause button has essentially been pressed on everyday life. I know many people are afraid, of the virus, of the effects it will have on the economies and future, of the health implications, of staying sane. I'm currently in isolation to protect myself and loved ones from infection, and I'm not the only one. I truly hope that you are not ill, and that your loved ones are also healthy and well. Things are hard, and worrisome, and there appears to be no end in sight. I wish I could do something to help or make it better. But what I can do is reassure you. As with all terrible things, this will pass, and we're all in this together. School and universities will start again. We will go back to work. We will be able to hold hands and hug each other without concern over social distancing. We will be okay. We all know what we need to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but our mental health is just as important as our physical health and hygiene. If you are struggling or afraid, please reach out. Don't feel like you can't talk about any concerns. There are many helplines available all over the world, and if you look it up online you should be able to find a number for your country. If you are isolating or are quarantined, please don't feel alone. Reach out to your friends and family. Be there for others who may be having a hard time. Give them a call or send a message. It will be good for you and for them. If you know someone vulnerable who is at risk, see if there's any way you can help. And while it's important to have the latest information, consume news and social media with care. During this period of isolation, remember to apply yourself and be productive, both physically and mentally. There is still so much you can do. The outside world may not be an option, but the internal world still is. So many journeys and adventures and experiences await, if you only wish to look for them. So take time for yourself and find joy in the little things. Write the story you've been meaning to get out of your head. Paint a picture. Make music. Learn a new skill, like a new language or how to knit. Work through your pile of unread books or unwatched TV shows. Spring-clean your home. Bake a cake. Meditate. Exercise in your living room. Take an online course - there are tons of good free ones out there too. Watch your favourite YouTubers. Find a new band who you can see live when this is over. Play video games, maybe even online so you can still interact with people in real time. And if you have a garden or other safe outside area, go into it and get some fresh air. Smell the flowers. Look at the sky. Listen to the dawn chorus and watch the sunset. See how the birds are coming back after winter and Mother Earth is breaking into spring. We will be okay. I call my readers and followers the Batty Brigade for a reason. The Batty part is acknowledging how we're all different and 'batty' in our own way. The Brigade is because that is exactly what brings us together. We are united, not only in our difference, but in our humanity. We are also united in this, even if we cannot hold hands. Take care, Batties, of yourselves and your loved ones. And take it easy on the toilet paper. Loads of love and light xo 🦇
1 Comment
3/5/2020 10:03:13 am
Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post!
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