I took this photo in better times. My wife and I had just returned from vacation in New Zealand, we were happy, had our plan for 2020 worked out and everything was on track. Life isn't ever perfect of course, however we had little to complain about and were feeling secure and in control...Of course, that was well before we'd ever heard the words covid-19.
The run into Christmas and the new year was typical, as expected, and I even had the bonus of having one of my brother's and his family here for a couple of weeks over that period which was really nice. Yes, life was pretty good, predictable and comfortable at the end of 2019...But early in 2020 things took a turn for the worse. The virus, and the various reactions by State and Federal governments here in Australia, brought great change, a little hardship and the need to re-evaluate many things in life...Certainly for Faith and I anyway.
Among those changes were financial scenarios as we both lost a significant chunk of our incomes, to this day. Subsequently we had to change a few things to accommodate the reduced income and in anticipation of a long-haul scenario we also made some immediate changes to spending habits despite them being quote stringently managed already.
We had additional stress and pressure brought about by job-uncertainty, working from home, food and everyday items being more difficult to get, the health issues around the virus itself, the slow demise of a beloved pet, my mate Merlin, and my father whose health was fading quickly. It has been stressful.
Through all of this we have been fortunate to have each other; One has lifted the other when required and it's been nice to have a trusted person to bounce ideas off, to talk about fears and concerns and to lay plans with...Plans for a future that we hope looks a lot better than it does now. We also managed a few walks at the beach too, which helps greatly.
I'll be honest, I am not one of those perpetually-positive people; I'm not negative, it's just that I have to work at finding a positive attitude rather than simply having one all the time. Is that any different to everyone else though? I don't think so.
I believe Faith and I have managed our situation really well though, or certainly as best as we know how, however many have not done so well including the person I spent some time with today; The person that prompted this post.
She is struggling emotionally and the onset of the second wave here in Australia hasn't helped any; Melbourne is in lock-down conditions that are far more strict than the first wave and has a curfew from 8pm-4am. The State Premier wants to reduce people at work down to 66% of the usual number of workers across the State meaning many large businesses, factories and industries have simply shut down. Panic buying has begun again, there's no toilet paper in the shops, and many small businesses are now closed, and will probably never reopen causing huge unemployment issues...There's little out there for people to find positive and the person I mention above is struggling to remain positive.
I was prompted to write a little about it tonight as I feel this situation, the feeling of despondency, low, or no motivation, and depression is quite prevalent around the country and quite probably around the world.
I know there's people out there not feeling any stress and more power to them, however that doesn't mean other people are not...Today I saw someone who has a dark road ahead and I didn't really know what to say; It felt very awkward and uncomfortable for me and I wish I knew how to make it better for that friend. The only thing I did have was the ability to lend an ear when she needed it which may be small consolation, but is at least something I suppose.
In these days of social-distancing hug's are not permitted, but maybe me just being there listening to my friend, and a few kind words uttered, could have the same affect as a hug? A substitute hug of sorts.
I'm not really sure what this post is all about to be honest; Maybe just a reminder to people to keep a look-out for their friends and family and to remind people of the power of the words, are you ok? Maybe it's just a reminder to myself that it's ok to feel fragile and exposed at times.
Feel free to comment if you have any input to add. Have you dealt with this world-wide pandemic well or badly? What have you done to mitigate the impact upon your emotional state, your job and finances? Have you come across others that needed emotional support and how did you offer it? Feel free to comment...Your words may help someone...Or even just yourself.
Take care y'all, stay safe and connected.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
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