#lookafteryourself

We can all see the day fast approaching, July 19th, the big day. The day for change, prosperity, freedom, fear and anxiety. When you look to this next stage of our lives and this time of covid, you may feel…

A)    Excited

B)    Scared

C)    Anxious

D)    Fearful

E)    Happy

F)     Lonely

G)    Angry

H)    All of the above?

I think it’s fair to say that each of us will be feeling many things when it comes to July 19th, I think the whole of our society is mixed, and that’s okay. What we have endured so far has been hectic, heart wrenching, and quite unexplainable. Everyone’s experience has also been different, whether that’s because of jobs or lack of, family or lack of, losses, loneliness, mental health impacts, physical impacts, and so much more. By your experience of covid, I think this will impact your experience of this next stage, it will be impacting your thoughts and feelings immensely and to feel confused at this stage is very much okay.

I think a large feeling that will be circling many of us is anxiety. A lot is changing around us, and we’ve been comfortable for a year in our habits, so breaking out of them is a scary thing and something which we will all have to do in our own time. A big thing is how socialising more will be coming, we can get up in a pub and say hi to our friends across the room. It’s such a good feeling to not feel restrained. However what needs to be considered is each individual and how comfortable they are. Respect people’s boundaries. Just because you can do that from 19th, doesn’t mean everyone wants to, and that’s ok. Don’t judge someone for being anxious, or cautious, allow them to do what is necessary for their wellbeing and support them through it when and where needed.

I know one new thing which is affecting the younger generation, especially myself and my friends is the reopening of clubs. Having gone through both my 18th and 19th birthday in lockdown, I am yet to have stepped foot in a club. It’s a whole different atmosphere, let alone the crowds of people and sudden lack of social distancing with complete strangers. It’s good to be excited for this new experience, but it’s also okay to be anxious and unsure. Don’t feel pressured by that day, your friends, or social media. If you aren’t ready it is ok. You need to take your own time with everything, and if you’re someone who’s never been to a club it’s a big new experience that probably would’ve seemed scary before covid and the last year we’ve all had. A club is a place where all the measures we’ve been following are suddenly forgotten, so if you’re not ready, don’t force yourself, if you get out there, you can leave. There’s no rules and no pressure to doing what is right for you. However you feel right now and in a few days and even a few weeks’ time, is valid.

The government is saying it is optional to wear facemasks. Now these have become a comfort for many people, whilst others a nuisance. If your someone who looks forward not having to wear one, fair enough, but do not judge those who will still chose to wear one, they are doing that for them, and you have no right to look at them funny for it. This entire process is about doing what feels right to you, not rushing yourself, taking your time and not trying to please others. Take everything at your pace and that will keep your mind and body happy and healthy. We need to respect one another, still keep in mind personal space and not think “oh we’re friends/family so its okay”. That has nothing to do with how that other individual may feel. Be kind, be safe, and be there for one another.

There is still uncertainty. Although we are told after this looming day we cannot go back, who’s to say one day another lockdown won’t be necessary. This is a scary thought, a lonely, isolating thought for many people. Although we may be excited to start living our lives again, to enjoy ourselves without restrictions, in the back of our heads can still remain this innate fear of a relapse to life a few months ago. So many of us have been impacted negatively by covid, and our mental health has suffered as a consequence, then to fear going back to such a stage, well, its terrifying. It’s hard to forget about what we can’t control and accept it all for what it is. But if you are someone who is struggling at the thought of this, if you’re worried and fearful, that’s okay, you are not alone. Sadly, none of us have the answer, yet there is always hope. We can build upon our struggles to make a brighter future and remind ourselves that no matter what happens, we have courage and strength within us. Reflect on this year you’ve had, and don’t forget to look at each and every positive. Maybe you lost a relationship, at the time it certainly didn’t feel like a positive, but know that it all happens for a reason, and the right people don’t leave, so see it as the positive that it is. You have grown from the experience; you have not lost but gained more self-respect and self-love. Think of the new hobbies you may have picked up to fill your time and how some of them may now be your favourite things to do. Look at how the relationships you have in your life now are more meaningful and stronger than ever, whether you have gained or lost any. Look within yourself and all you have done, look how far you have come, look at what you have been through and pat yourself on the back for it. Give yourself some extra love and effort at this time. Acknowledge how you feel and feel comfortable with it.