Reading my blog post from last May about the easing of coronavirus measures made me chuckle a bit. In it I wondered about a possible second wave… As we are approaching the one-year mark since the pandemic was officially declared, I lost keeping track of the number of the waves. I simply wanted to acknowledge how difficult this time has been for those without any support network nearby, including single parents, and offer some of my thoughts.
As we continue to live in this new “masked” reality, I try to keep my expectations low and do not obsess too much about the ever-changing nature of the (sometimes rather illogical) restrictions. I also came to realise that if there is any planning to be done, plan A is not enough. One has to have at least plan B if not C.
My keywords are flexibility and adaptability.
While we might not be able to travel and meet up as much as we were accustomed to, unless we do not mind the constant PCR tests and possible quarantines, of course, there are luckily still other ways to keep in touch and entertain ourselves. The closure of indoor play areas, swimming pools and amusement parks pushed us into looking for (less costly) alternatives – local parks, anyone?
I came to appreciate the work from home (without kids around, of course) as it freed me from stressful morning runs to the crèche and school, hoping not to miss the train to work. Not to mention that it can be (potentially) healthier as well – with home-made lunches and some physical exercise breaks instead of the usual chats with my colleagues in the corridors.
While I never was a gym goer it seems that with the fitness clubs closed, many discovered the world of (free) online classes and there are literally a zillion of them. Libraries luckily remained open throughout, albeit in a limited way, and some museums went online. And just perhaps we have realised that our time can be put to a better use than (window) shopping.
I just feel that the things have slowed down a bit, and not in a negative way, giving us the time to think and rethink.
It is all a matter of perspective, really.
We are fortunate enough to live in a country where, even if, in the worst-case scenario, you or your loved ones fall ill, you will get the best medical care there is. Furthermore, given the system of welfare benefits, you are very unlikely to be left without a roof over your head and no food in the fridge.
This is not to say that everything is perfect but rather to provide a reality check. Having just come back from a country where adequate and accessible health care is desperately lacking and poverty rates are high, I just feel extremely fortunate, also about the fact that our kids have a sense of “normality” by going to school, which is not the case everywhere.
Continue staying safe and reach out, if in need of a chat!
