Hey lovelies,
The current changes to society and life as we know it happening all around us is obviously the biggest thing on everybody’s minds right now. In a time of self-isolation and lockdowns, this is where the internet and all its wonder really comes into its own. Just imagine being stuck at home without social media, voip or the plethora of streaming services we have access to now. Forgotten to buy a couple of good books to keep you busy? That’s fine, the internet has you covered. Craving some conversation? We’ve got you covered. After all, we’re all in this together.
Of course, this is obviously a positive outlook on what is a very serious situation out there, but wallowing in negativity isn’t actually going to do us any good day to day and there’s quite enough of that on the news. I spent the first half of this week dreading the idea of isolation, but as time has progressed, I’ve almost found comfort in the fact that if it does end up happening, I’m going make the best of it, as that’s really the only option.
It’s obvious that one of the things that’s making people feel so bad is the fear of a situation not many understand, but exacerbating that is the feeling of a lack of control that we’re all feeling at the moment. Perhaps it’s a good idea to reclaim a fragment of control and make some plans should we be required to isolate for a longer period of time. I’ve taken the view, for example, that I’m going to make some inroads into my list of books that I’ve always wanted to read and already have several downloaded onto my tablet, as well as a good stock of old fashioned paper books to fall back on. I’m forever lamenting that I only ever seem to read work related things, so this should actually make a nice change. In fact, a change in routine will be welcome temporarily, as all I seem to spend my days doing is wake up, go to work, come home, eat, do some writing, have a late night snack, then go to bed (invariably have trouble sleeping) and then repeat ad infinitum. They say a change is as good as a rest, so I’m excited to give it a go.
Meditation is something I’ve always wanted to try, so there’s another thing I might finally get around to. Less running around trying to get to places for meetings and other commitments could be spent on art, crafts or simply having a nice sit. It’s no secret that the pressures of the modern world leave most of us in a constant state of exhaustion, running in an endless cycle before we burn out, so the biggest positive from all of this would be that we simply have some time to get to know ourselves again and what we’re like when we’re more relaxed and less tired.
As I said at the beginning of this article, the internet, if used correctly, is going to be our best companion during this time. As well as vast libraries of content to keep us busy, we can still get our fix of social interaction with friends both near and far. Online communities have been thriving for years, but in a situation like this where groups of people can still get together in a virtual way and talk about their common interests or anything at all are going to be an absolute lifeline for many. Furthermore, if you feel like you want a little quiet time, this is all entirely optional too! It really seems the best of all worlds. The only positive thing about people who revel in posting negativity online is the one thing we normally forget about them – they can be turned off!
I’ve heard talks about replacing in-person movie nights with virtual watch parties, all watching the same film at the same time and having a group chat to discuss. Others have suggested FaceTiming and having a coffee at the same time, thus satiating our urge to share a drink with company as we would out there, but adapting to the situation and retaining a semblance of normality. The ideas are endless. A friend mentioned that she’d been invited to a virtual book club where they’ve got an assigned book and have set a group message to discuss. We are now in a time where the only real limit is our imaginations. We can still do many of the things we love and can certainly replace the things we can’t. Now could be the time to reach out online and have some long, interesting conversations that you’ve never had time to before. Read up on a subject that’s always fascinated you or simply use it to keep in touch with family. In fact, definitely do that. There’s little reason not to. It’s actually even easier to be friendly and outgoing online than it is in person, because you can do it all at your own pace. If you’re normally a shy person, seize this opportunity to meet new people in a way that suits you. Life doesn’t have to stop. We can just have it a little more on our terms for a while.
It was suggested to me this morning that this would be the world reasserting some balance and also reminding us of what’s really important. Part of me does indeed subscribe to the belief that this situation will be a defining moment for humanity and that we have much to learn during this crisis. Not necessarily the obvious either, but about what’s truly important and about how resilient and compassionate we can be as a race. It’s easy to lose a little faith when seeing selfish panic buying in the news, but these people are in the minority. We still have the capacity to be better and each situation we face comes full of lessons. It’s up to us to learn them.
If we find ourselves having some downtime, as nice as it might be to use that time for something we’ve been meaning to do, there’s no pressure on any of us to write a bestseller, exercise until we’re shredded or do anything too taxing. It might be a great solution for some, but no one’s going to judge if we don’t. Perhaps, this is an opportunity to just experience existing. To reflect. To spend time with those we live with or to spend time virtually with friends and communities that we might not otherwise have the time to. The situation may be a curse for many, but it’s also offering us a gift. A chance to refocus and restore ourselves and our personal lives that may never come again.
You may think all this ridiculous, but with the ideas out there, it’s food for thought. It’s a lot more pleasant to find some positivity to focus on rather than the excessive negativity out there. I remain certain that if we, as a global community can maintain rationality and remember kindness, compassion and intelligence, we can handle this. Remember, stay in touch, stay rational and always be kind.
Vida x
