Time Flies and so do I.....

In the past my fear of flying would have centered around the plane crashing, being hijacked or similar scenarios and I would have in my head a strategy for these things. I can hear you thinking what kind of strategy could you have for crashing, well that consists of praying that we would land on water or cash land but still be alive!! Well stranger things have happened just look at what we’re living through right now! Kidnap – I’d be taking down those suckers single handedly, probably start with a diversion tactic first!! But now as I prepare to fly for the first time since COVID-19, which, as we know is still around, I find my fears are of the people that are next to me, touching things and remembering to wash my hands and sanitize! Fearing that this might affect the vulnerable people in my family. Can I really wear this mask for 3+ hours? Of course, I can if surgeons and medical professionals can wear them for hours on end!!!

There is a window of opportunity that I have been urged/advised to take advantage of, if this situation has taught me anything it is that you have to take the opportunities when they arise. So, I brought my trip forward and I’m off to see my daughter Sarah for her birthday and to check up on my mum and brother. I have isolated myself as much as possible before I leave, and I have no symptoms so off we go; a very new experience awaits I’m sure. I will report back for all those that are wondering what travelling is actually like just now. Before all this happened, I was heard to say that I was getting fed up with airports, fateful words, I won’t be saying that again in a hurry!!!

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious both for the flight and what happens when I get there, I occasionally feel anxious but not very often, but more than you might think. So early this morning I set off for a walk by the sea, a meander really, to try and calm my mind and just meditate as I walk – well meander, you should have seen all the people that overtook me, young fit people, that’s okay but when little old ladies started overtaking me I did have to smile, but I wasn’t in a race I was trying to calm my mind and fears, it worked, I do feel much better. I did end up in hospital once with a suspected heart attack which actually turned out to be a panic attack, but that only happened once and it was the scariest thing, I literally felt like I couldn't breathe, so my heart goes out to people who suffer from anxiety on a regular basis. I think everyone has their own strategies for coping and I know there are many, but meditating is good, well it works for me.

Is there any end to all this as a second wave or spike seems to be imminent? Well trying to be an optimist and not upset any anti-vaxxers, I think the only way forward would be for the whole world to go on lockdown at the same time, if it’s at the same time I think it could be for a shorter time, obviously it would need fine tuning but could it be the answer? This would be followed by a ban on travelling outside your own countries for a while as well, maybe only a month?!! Too simplistic? I don’t have the answers and I’m not in charge but here in the world of Janet that would be my answer. I do think it’s important to wear masks at present, if this doesn’t work you haven’t lost anything, but if it does you’ve potentially saved lives and the science says that it does work, so that’s good enough for me. In the main we must use common sense.

Anyone else seeing time flying by too quickly? I really thought that the older you get that life would slow down, it doesn't! A whole month has passed and I can’t even remember what I’ve been doing, I have done a couple of online courses, although I have to admit I have been spending a lot of time with my daughter and grand-daughter, making the most of having them back in Malta. They grow up so fast and I really want to make the most of it. A lot of time, love and energy goes into raising a child and I am reminded of this when I see my own daughter with my grand-daughter, it takes a village to raise a child, isn’t that what they say? Well I saw the following on Facebook as I was writing this and it really sums up what I was thinking, I wish I’d written it but since it’s being shared on social media, I thought I’d post it here.

Barely the day started and... it's already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday and it's already Friday.

... and the month is already over.

... and the year is almost over.

... and it’s almost Christmas again.

... and already 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed.

... and we realize that we lost our parents, friends, brother / sister, husband / wife.

and we realize it's too late to go back...

So... Let's try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time...

Let's keep looking for activities that we like...

Let's put some color in our grey...

Let's smile at the little things in life that make our hearts sing.

And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left. Let's try to eliminate the afters...

I'm doing it after...

I'll say it after...

I’ll go there after...

I'll think about it after...

We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.

Because what we don't understand is that:

After isn’t promised to any of us.

Afterwards, the coffee gets cold...

afterwards, priorities change...

Afterwards, the charm is broken...

afterwards, health passes...

Afterwards, the kids grow up...

Afterwards parents get old...

Afterwards, promises are forgotten...

afterwards, the day becomes the night...

afterwards, the people that matter the most aren’t there any more...

afterwards life ends...

And then it's often too late....

So... Let's leave nothing for later...

Because while we are waiting for later, we can lose the best moments,

the best experiences,

the best friends,

the best family...

The day is today... The moment is now... There’ll never be a better time,

so why wait?

Take care out there, sending virtual hugs again!