Lockdown Update II

Hi there how’s everyone doing? And just like that here we are in May, today marks six weeks in quarantine/partial lockdown for me, but at least the time is passing. During these strange times it really is the things we take for granted that we miss the most isn’t it? The people we take for granted, the freedom, but on a slightly more serious note this time and reverting back to my original reason for this blog, empty nest syndrome, as things have turned out it has meant that although not my intention, due to the current situation we find ourselves in, many of you will have been separated from your children and grandchildren and of course you will now know what it is like not be able to see your family on a regular basis, when you want to, what it’s like not to be able to hug them and kiss them for long periods of time, it’s hard isn’t it? Perhaps you’ve seen them via FaceTime or WhatsApp video, technology is great but although it helps it’s just not the same.

There are some of you I know that have been in the same or similar situations for some time already, or have experienced this at some point with children and family abroad, but a lot of you have not experienced this before. This gives you just a glimpse of what it’s like, not being able to pop around and just say ‘hi’ or call in for a coffee, take a little thing round for your grandchildren. For many of you, once the restrictions ease, you will be able to be reunited with your family more or less instantly. I, of course, must wait for the airports to reopen and we have no idea when that will be, but it will likely be the last thing to start getting back to normal. Forget the holidays, although I’m seriously missing those as well, really all I want to do is see and hold my family close.

You have now felt what it is like not to be able to see your family properly for long periods of time, it’s painful but of course you have to try and get on with life and look forward to your next meeting. I usually organise regular trips, that helps me, but of course not an option currently. It really does hurt, like a physical pain.

We are in unprecedented times and we have to get through this as best as we can. I do sincerely hope this doesn’t happen again though! I am hopeful that things are beginning to improve, but will it ever be the same? Do we want it to be? As with everything in life there are some positives to be found, this time has given the Earth some much needed time to heal, air quality has improved, animals are coming back to places that they had left. It has had benefits, definitely and when we come out of it we should perhaps heed the warnings we’ve been receiving with regard to the state of the world and the damage we have caused to it, after all we need to pass it on to the next generation and do we really want them to inherit the world in the state it’s currently in?

I recently saw Noel Fitzpatrick, renowned vet, being interviewed on tv and he said that this situation must make us realise that we need to respect not only Mother Nature but also all the animals that share the planet with us and I think he has a valid point. Will we do more to protect our planet and animals once all this is over? I hope so.

Whilst we are all so concerned about our physical health and not catching this virus, we may be neglecting our mental health, remember this is important too. I am sure we will all at some point have a bad day or two, some people will find it harder to cope, remember that if you need someone just reach out. If you can, keep in touch with your loved ones, especially the elderly and those living alone, or anyone that you feel might struggle with the situation, call them, send them a card, any little thought would be appreciated I’m sure. It is okay to feel scared, or lonely, you are not on your own. It is also perfectly okay to do nothing if you don’t feel like it, we see so much on social media, exercise, projects, etc., but don’t feel pressured into feeling that you have to achieve, just take things a day at a time. If you get up and don’t feel like doing anything, then just don’t! I am approximately a week behind with all the things that I keep telling myself I need to do. I am keeping busy, but last week was a tough week and I didn’t feel like doing much, so I didn’t, I gave myself a break. There is no right or wrong in this scenario. Learn to just ‘be’ maybe try meditation if you think it’ll help. Do remember though to keep on talking positively to yourself, feed your mind with only good things, it really does believe what you tell it. For a start try telling yourself something great on waking up each morning and go from there. At the moment it is easy to wake up and then the reality of the situation sinks in and your first thought is a negative one, turn that around and start with a positive thought, whatever that may be, whatever works for you.

On a lighter note, my usual week (if anyone is interested by this point and if you’ve got this far in this blog, well done and thanks for staying with me) is punctuated with calls from my girls, check ins with my mum and a weekly virtual coffee morning. I haven’t had to start the jigsaw yet!! I also do a weekly spa ritual at home, Myoka have been missing me so much that they called me to do an online consultation, it really was genuinely nice and helpful. I continue to write and read but not as much as I would like. One of the highlights of my week is the Saturday night concert with Katherine Jenkins, I’ve actually booked to go and see her again next year (hoping the flights will be working by then!) This week desperate for something nice to eat and not finding anything I resorted to making mince pies, you have to laugh at the lengths I’ll go to for something sweet!!

If you’ve given up on humanity then have a look at Captain Tom Moore’s 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS which has raised millions, how wonderful is that at this time and now a number one record! Guinness World Records to boot, you see it’s never too late in life to achieve great things. I’m hoping that after all this the NHS will be properly recognised and its staff will be rewarded with proper salary increases, both in the UK and Malta, well all around the world really. It’s brilliant to acknowledge them every week but it’s important that we remember these times and who we needed the most!

So to cheer you all up a bit, just in case you’ve been feeling like me, and inspired by my recent Myoka online consultation, I’d like to do a giveaway, so for every new subscriber or anyone who has subscribed so far you will get one entry, for everyone who shares this blog, there will be another entry, if you share more than once you receive an entry for each time it’s shared, so for instance on Facebook and Instagram. I will film the drawing and the winner will be announced on the next blog. Obviously, you will have to wait until this is all over to receive your prize, but I will keep it safe for you, so what is it? A Clinique gift bag full of goodies, please see photo below

For all of you out there on the frontline, for all those that are keeping the economy ticking over, for everyone helping in any way whatsoever, supporting local businesses, donating to charity, staying at home, thank you will never be enough but thank you all so much, especially my friends and family out there, you know who you are. We ARE all in this together and I hope that soon we will start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Whilst hoping this has filled a few minutes in your day and trusting you are all well, until next time sending out virtual hugs to you all.