We’ve just entered another National Lockdown and like many I think it’s needed and a necessary response to the ever changing affects of the pandemic. Of course just because it’s deemed a wise thing to do it doesn’t change the affects it will have on everyone. I’ve heard it said that we’re all in the same boat but I really don’t think that’s an accurate depiction. We’re in the same ocean but we’re all in very different boats as we navigate this somewhat treacherous sea. Some have bigger, more equipped boats than others ~ some have large yachts with only a handful of people on board, whilst others have tiny broken down boats holding more people than it should be expected to carry. Some have the equivalent of a tiny raft, and others have the size of a comfortable house boat ~ I could go on, right? There’s no judgement here and I’m really not just talking about where you live … it’s about our individual circumstances. Then of course it’s WHO are we sharing the boat with? Again, some are within a loving supportive family or group of people, whilst others are drifting alone ~ and then there are others who are navigating this sea within dysfunctional relationships or domestic violence scenarios where they feel trapped and unable to escape. We’re NOT in the same boat are we?

Of course I could easily write so much more about all of the many aspects of the affects of COVID and lockdown economically, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It’s a huge event and the vast sea of related issues are varied and are having a continuous but often different impact from one person to the next. Many people were already struggling with challenging life issues that have now been exacerbated and potentially worsened by this. Many have suffered life changing and heartbreaking loss 💔. Again, I could say so much more as this short blog will certainly not do YOUR experience justice. Whatever our personal experience of this ‘unprecedented’ time of our lives our shared humanity is that we, as a collective, deeply care for one another and although we haven’t walked a mile in each others shoes, we can certainly relate to the fear and uncertainty that produce the stress and anxiety that we often struggle with every day.

And it’s not the fear of COVID as such, it’s the inner fear that creeps up on you with that quiet voice that whispers to you saying you will not be able to cope with the loneliness, the isolation! That whispers to you that you’re so undisciplined and unmotivated and can’t manage your time well at home ~ that you really have to comfort eat and then the related fear of putting on weight and how that makes you feel ~ the whispers that you ‘need’ alcohol to get through this and numb out all the other negative whispers that threaten your mental and emotional health throughout this journey.

We really do need to recognise the negative whispers, and yes accept and validate that’s how we’re feeling but also reassure yourself that YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK! I know, I know … you probably think you’re not and feel incredibly weak at times. I do! Can I let you into a secret? Come a little closer as I will need to whisper it to you …

I feel weak most of the time

shhhhh …. don’t tell anyone! I need to maintain my confident exterior so that I can come across impressive to everyone!!! I’m serious ( although not about being impressive, lol) … I’m serious about feeling weak and inadequate; but I discover each day that I am stronger than I think and listening to the negative whispers in my mind are not helping as they are not telling me a true story ~ and yet I believe them! It’s a daily mix of surrendering to God, knowing that in my weakness He is then able to be my strength and the acceptance of who I am and where I am on my journey. As Maya Angelou said:

When we know better, we do better!

You really can’t be anyone else but YOU and you really can’t be anywhere else but where you are RIGHT NOW in life. There are many ways that you can support your life’s journey and I want to encourage you to do something each day that is investing time in you and your well-being. I don’t want to make this blog too much longer, so consider looking back through my previous blogs for some suggestions and I’ll be writing more later. In the meantime, be kind to yourself and others and when you have a good day then rejoice in that, and when you have a not so good day then reach out to someone or simply accept that’s how you’re feeling and give yourself some extra kindness that day. The video link below is one of my favourite guided relaxations, so find 10 minutes, put your earphones on and relax!

Love and blessings to you, Sam x