So I’ve decided that this post is going to be a little different from what I usually write. More specifically, is going to hopefully address those out there, who may be exhibiting the “Lockdown Blues” (Don’t worry, I can completely sympathise, and am right there with ya!) or losing the will to imagine anything but living a normal life right now. This post will hopefully serve as a positive reminder to let you know that the feelings that you’re feeling – that we’re ALL feeling! Are completely normal and okay.
By now it’s no surprise that 2020 was either the year of the silent apocalypse we never saw coming, the year that some unknown being didn’t want us humans, to continue living our usual lives and/or we were a race that deserved to be punished.
Act of crime? Yet to be declared.
With that being said, it was, and continues to be such a difficult time in our lives. But when faced with adversity please remember the most important thing in the world right now; to be kind to yourself. Continue to remind yourself what you’re going through day in, day out and what you’ve already been through. Because without probably realising. What you’re actually achieving every single day – Is modern-day survival!
I believe a good motto for the year ahead (in my opinion) should be “Whatever it takes.” Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t.
So what if you don’t manage to put a wash on every morning. That’s why the basket/tub is so tall, an extra few items won’t make much of a difference.
So what if the downstairs hoovering gets put back another day. It’ll get done tomorrow.
So what if pyjamas become your usual daytime attire. Who wouldn’t choose to live in comfort?
So what if you nap during the day. You needed the recharge.
So what if the only way your family get their clothes ironed is by using their own body’s warmth. Someone made them warm-blooded for a reason.
So what if every day is taken over with a duvet day and several films being played. Disney+ and NETFLIX are addictive, and you now HAVE to spend that extra time with your child.
So what if you just need to cry some days/can’t explain your emotions. It’s a difficult time we’re all facing, and this is our body’s way of processing it.
So what if you’ve decided to turn off those nagging bedside alarms that have always managed to wake you up at least an hour before they’re actually due to sound off. You dictate your morning routine. And that is why the Snooze button was invented.
So what if you decided to order in instead of actually making a meal this time. They call it “feel-good” food for a reason. You’re entitled to this break.
So what if the recent “homeschooling” means you’re not the next Albert Einstein for your kids. Your children are loving the extra quality time they get to spend with you, and without probably realising, advertently you are both learning each other – they are known to be “au fait” with their gadgety bits and bobs!
All these excuses are totally acceptable, and wonderful reasons to continue doing what you’re doing/been doing as that’s what is working for you during this time.
So..
The next time you feel like “beating yourself up” for gazing out the window at your next-door neighbour, and they are either; building a shed, painting their fence or learning the choreography to the next Riverdance.
Let them get on with it. That is them, and this is you.
Everyone deals with trauma in different ways. Stop being critical to yourself. No one is judging you. We’re all in the same boat. Remind yourself that this won’t last forever. You continue to do you, and whatever makes you feel comfortable in a not-so-comfortable time.
What do you find has helped you deal with the current situation? Which point can you most relate to? I’d love to know!
