Ah… where do I even begin… I guess by saying that I want to look back at my blog and Instagram account in years to come and remember our experience as it really was lived. By us. Not the media, the world or people on the streets – but by us. I’m not going to start describing what I’m about to talk about because we are all living it and breathing it (hopefully not literally). The pandemic is all over the news every minute of the day and it’s all people talk about. At the end of the day, I can only speak for us. Not because I’m ignorant (I feel like I always have to disclaim that online when I want to share my experiences), but because other that the media, social media and tv (we don’t actually watch tv or news channels) – it’s just been us. Me, my other half and the kids. Just like the rest of those who have been dealt the lucky cards. Lucky because we are healthy, not too affected other than the expected lessened workload and lack of variety in our days, but because we are able to stay home all together and make the most of this crazy pandemic coronavirus situation. As a family unit, we’ve learnt that being able to look at an external situation and ask “What’s in it for us?” has helped us hugely to get through many circumstances out of our control. Asking “What can we control?” and how to make the experience as easy as possible whilst making sure the kids are happy and unaffected is key.
At first, like with many shocking external unexpected things we don’t like – total denial. It can’t be real. It’s all just a big media and political stunt. It’ll be over in a few days – we said. And then then the panic buyers, more shocking news, daily numbers, measures, school closures, travel and social restrictions in the media… It’s real. But at the same time so surreal and nobody knows what the f…k to do until eventually the Government realised people will end up panicking for real and have given us some guidelines to follow. It’s been over 4 weeks since the official lockdown was announced in UK and a lot has happened since then. But at the same time not a lot too.
What’s in it for me? I kept on saying to myself… If I was a nurse or a doctor I’d be out there on the front line doing my bit for the NHS and those that are sick. Away from my kids for 12 weeks. If I was a shop assistant I’d be serving the people (sick and healthy) risking my health (or theirs) on a daily basis. But I’m not. I’m the lucky one. I didn’t have to adjust to new work or childcare routines and none of our family members (Thank God) were ill and suffering in any way. And all of a sudden I have my whole family at home. Partner that travels with work on a regular basis and eldest child who spends 2 days a week with her dad. All together with a roof over our head, enough food and work coming in and we are being ordered by the UK Governmnent to stay at home for weeks. Selfishly – I’m enjoying our little bubble.
At first we missed hanging out in cafes, play parks, shopping centres, visiting grandparents and eating out. We really missed the gym when they all got shut. We felt a little bit out of place as our habits and routines were so suddenly shattered and the whole unknown of the virus was adding to the worries a little bit. We lost our Easter break holiday and the other half had to cancel a lot of work trips as well. But at the end of it all – it didn’t matter. We were all together. Safe. Kids happy and smiling and the new calm norm started to become really enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, some days are loooong, repetitive and others are fun. New habits started to form cantering around daily exercises and walks in the fresh air. The weather’s been incredible too, though as I write this we are promised the end of the heat wave and I’m seeing the first drops of rain on our windows in weeks. Some days I get dressed and wear makeup – other I don’t. I got really creative shooting content at home and still managed to bag a few relevant campaigns. I’m truly grateful. We realised that we’re fully in control of our emotions and thoughts and for me exercising first thing in the morning changes my whole mood and outlook for the day. We’re still tired, super busy and don’t have enough hours in the day just like before all this. A young toddler demanding our full attention, teenager and lots of work to go through. We don’t get bored or anxious – just truly and fully making the most of the situation. Because that’s all we can do.
I’ll be completely honest though – as much as we all come together in these difficult times, one thing I cannot get used to is Social Distancing. It’s very unnatural but adapted so quickly by everyone. For the right and best reasons of course, but it’s something I really can’t and don’t want to get used to. Praying for things to improve for everyone and FAST!
How are you keeping? Feeling? Here if you want to chat.
Big Hugs!
Tatyana xx