These last two years have been, for all of us, eventful, unexpected and painful. We’re in the worst pandemic since the Spanish Flu. We’re not only facing the sickness of a virus, but the sickness of ignorance and selfishness. We’ve experienced things in varying degrees from different, to one that you would not wish on your worst enemy.

I’ve been quiet on my blog recently because frankly, I just haven’t known what to write. Yes, there’s writings that need finishing in my drafts, but the ball just wasn’t rolling. My brain was too full of stuff. There’s been things in my personal like that took priority.

After almost two years of, in effect, staying inside and isolation, I’m trying to adjust to some sort of ‘after’ period. Since now we’re being told to ‘learn to live with’ this virus, I am, like many, trying to get my life on some sort of track after so long on pause.

So what’s been happening? Well, I’m doing my best to take better care of myself, and that takes time. The last two years, I’ve had some less than ideal experiences that has understandably, had an effect on me. I’ve been and am working to repair the scars that have been left as a result. The mental strain of a pandemic and such, one thing has been made clear to me: Just how important looking after me is.

It’s in my nature to put other people before myself, in such a way that I might neglect my mental/emotional needs at times. While I still wish to put others first, I’ve realised it’s not selfish to see to my own needs first for the sake of my own wellbeing. I mean, how could I look out for someone else if I’m not looking out for myself?

So, this trying to move forward during this difficult period in our history, I’m trying to do things I want. For me and purely for me. I’m taking more exercise. I’m getting out more, while taking proper precautions. I’m interacting with people. Making friends. Getting more fresh air.

Whilst trying to keep safe, I realise for the sake of my general wellbeing, the life of a hermit is not for me. I need to not just survive again. I actually need to (at least, try) live again.

#SWAP