LOCKDOWN!!

Hey All,

So it's day 10 for me... and I thought it was time to share the things I've thought, experienced, learnt about myself and others.

First things first I've realised how much I need the interaction of others; be that colleagues, loved ones, friends or even strangers. Physical touch, greetings, hugs, smiles, chatter and noise of humans. I'm fortunate in that I can connect virtually BUT IT IS NOT THE SAME!!!! I want to reach through the screens and hold a person.... this has to be the hardest for those people (family members and friends included) who live alone. Isolation is not just impacting on the spread of the virus, but also on our understanding of why we need others and I feel once this is over we won't be so quick to avoid family/ friends, not answer that call or opportunity to meet, to gladly shake the hand of a passer by and hold onto our loved ones that bit tighter and longer than before.

Neighbours have become important. Chatting over the garden fence is now a thing I treasure! Before it would have been intrusive or just a pain... but now I look forward to those moments of exchange, commonality and feeling of togetherness. I've seen acts of kindness, neighbours reaching out to those alone and leaving food/ flowers/ pictures on doorsteps. Why has it taken this extreme situation for us to really care?

Laughter, music, dancing, singing... all these things I've always loved but now more than ever these are important. Dancing in the living room, singing in the garden, watching as much comedy and laughing lots!! It's medicine to the soul and I'm grateful for those who write, perform, share and inspire.

No -one more so than the AMAZING Daisy-May Cooper!!! Those of you who listened to her live instagram will now... those of you who can tune in tonight at 8pm live... even if you don't see yourself as a writer this woman has so much to offer and give, as an artist and human, I have taken notes so will type up and share on email. I couldn't encourage you enough to seek her out... a joy awaits!

Lastly, I've learnt that it's important to stop. Stop working, moving, looking, watching, fearing, worrying.... and just be. This is an extreme time and I cannot wait for it to end, but it has made me appreciate all I have and those I love and I can't wait to see you all and have a HUGE party!! 🤗