I am struggling a bit, as you might have noticed in my posts. Nothing is wrong personally, but the underlying worry and the ongoing concern is getting me down probably more than it should. I had a kiddo home studying for an exam so I went to get him sushi for lunch from our local restaurant, only to discover it had closed for good. It limped along through lockdown with takeaways but apparently couldn't survive in this half life we're in. It devastated me. They were just a couple. That was their livelihood. Possibly their house. Gone.
Now is really a time of 'use it or lose it'! If you can go safely, use the small businesses if you can. Support local. Because the lockdown wasn't the worst of it for people. This is.
I worry greatly about how this will affect the young people. The young people who have no jobs to go to, the young people who can't afford to go to University (thanks ScoMo), the young people who see this as a bleak future for themselves. While it is a blimp for us, it is a large proportion of their life.
So, I've been allowing myself a
Mental Health Day each week, clocking off the
Biennale of Sydney with a friend. Catching up at
a gallery and then having lunch, seeing
comedians at Giant Dwarf on a Thursday, I've even booked
a fabulous private dining with a group (under 10) at the Grounds. I am working on relatively safe outings with friends.
I'm trying to support those I can, while I can. I'm reaching out to friends faraway.
I'm exercising religiously and trying to eat better.
I'm trying not to give myself a hard time about my COVID pounds (but I really hate my new shape and I want my old one - less than perfect but still way better than this!)
I guess what I am grateful for is that none of my friends or family here have caught this terrible virus (friends overseas have, so I know first hand how awful it is). I'm grateful that NSW didn't really get the influx of cases like other countries. I'm grateful that I am in a state of mind where I can notice the dip in my mood and manage it. I'm grateful for my daughter's boyfriend, more or less living with us since we went into lockdown, being such a ray of joy in the house, for everyone, not just her. I'm grateful for my husband managing to navigate these turbulent economic waters, and keep both employees on. I'm grateful I've things to look forward to, including a weekend away and a second one to be booked. I'm grateful for joy and pleasure in my life.
What are you grateful for?
Linking with #Dreamteam
These Photos are from the Biennale of Sydney at the Art Gallery of NSW. It ends on the 27th September. Free entry. Make a day of it and have lunch in the sunny courtyard.
I know how you are feeling. I am feeling the same way. I'm making a point of buying locally where possible. I'm always trying to focus on the positive of this experience.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
Anyone with a bit empathy is going to find herself struggling now. While I am trying to focus on just how lucky I am, that doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Too many people losing their livelihoods, and their lives. But we do have to give ourselves permission to be joyful when we can. I applaud your mental health day! We do ourselves and the world no good by becoming some kind of casualty of this catastrophe. And yes, sometimes easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteIt is a really tragic time, not just in regards to the virus itself but for the economy, mental health and the future in general. I am fearful about the ramifications that are yet to come. I too am trying to remain thankful for my family and friends health but sometimes it isn't helpful to say to ourselves 'it could be worse' looking for joy in the smallest of places has never been so important.
ReplyDelete#KCACOLS
It's such a strange time isn't it, and I really feel for all the independent businesses. I'm trying to use them as much as I can. #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteThis is such a dreadful time for us all to cope with. I’ve heard of businesses locally who won’t be re-opening. It makes me feel sad too.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the mood slumps and the underlying worry. We can be grateful for a lot and also feel that sense of grief and worry. I'm slowly trying to do more as well but haven't gotten as far as you have with comedies or big dinners yet - I miss that. I know some live music has started but it doesn't feel the same when you have to remain seated
ReplyDeleteI hear you Lydia and don't know the answers to the questions I ask myself about the future. We are also dealing with family health issues (non COVID related) but they are still impacted by the restrictions and border closures. It's been a shitty year in lots of ways. I'm trying to stay positive but it's hard not to given into the overwhelm at times. Love that you are working on ways to keep your spirits up however you can and gratitude helps. #lifethisweek
ReplyDeleteI try not to let it all affect me but some days I struggle too. You're doing all the right things to keep positive. Small local businesses definitely need our support so good on you. Regards, Christina
ReplyDeleteI love how you make the most of your city - even at the moment. My heart breaks for those who have lost their business - and their dreams - through no fault of their own. We're the same now with local businesses - it really is a case of use it or potentially lose them.
ReplyDeleteHello there Lydia, this is something I would very much enjoy!!! I really like art exhibits and museums that feature different kinds of things and objects rather than just the plain paintings for painting or scultures for sculptures. I do like them too but these kinds would keep me more interested. I love the glove gallery, at first I thoiught they were abstract headstakes, very creative!
ReplyDeleteAnd Lydia, thank you so much for sharing on Timeless Thursdays this week. Left a comment on your post :)
I feel ya! I find the uncertainty and looking to the future really unsettling so I just try and take one day at the time. So much of this situation is out of our control so I focus on the things that I can control, taking care of myself and those around me and trying to splash our cash in the local community. Most days though I still wake up and feel like I'm in some weird science fiction movie.
ReplyDeleteI know how sad it is to see a business go out of business, and also I know the sadness of losing someone to this horrid Covid. It is truly a dilemma of how to stay safe and still try to live and enjoy life. I hope a cure/ vaccine/something can be found soon! Find some joy in every day as much as possible. I enjoyed your photos from the art gallery! Art is always a way to express ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It's a terrible time for so many people.
DeleteAh that is so sad about the closing of your local restaurant, I don't think we can begin to understand the devastating effects of this virus. You are wise to allow yourself mental health days. Loving all your cool photos! Thank you for lonking up with #KCACOLS, we hope to see you next time. :)
ReplyDeleteI lost my art teaching job in May. Now I’m a front end supervisor at a farmers market - high end grocery store. The hours suck, but at least I have a job. I’ve lost motivation and energy. I need a mental health day. Hang in there! Lots of cyber hugs 🤗 Alissa at An Apel a Day
ReplyDeleteThe loss of motivation and energy is something I think we're all carrying at the moment. Someone else just commented they'd lost the urge to do all the things they used to love. We will get through this but we are all changed, and it's not easy for us, even if we are the lucky ones. I do think being open and admitting it is better both for ourselves and for others.
DeleteHugs, and totally understand your frustration. I worry where things are going if this doesn't have a resolution soon. Our news today said that America has basically the worst numbers, and I fear it may be that some are not taking it seriously. We have lost more people to the virus than the wars fought. I'm keeping a positive attitude that things will be okay, but agree that some days are worse than others for staying upbeat. What you've been up to sounds very nice, and a get away is always a plus. Thanks for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteOh Lydia, I am so pleased that you managed to write something and in doing so, I loved reading what you have been able to do...to make things a little better all round. Glad you are planning days for 'just you'. I have been home much more because of surgery recoveries and also because I stopped being interested in going out for a coffee in the first COVID lockdown and it became less urgent as I have had 2 months at home anyway. Yesterday however, I decided to get out...for a coffee and a bit of a browse at a local big super centre..and my go-to place since 2017 for coffee was GONE. Boarded up to become a kitchen place. Made me think of everyone I knew who worked there and yes I was sad. My three adult grandchildren are not in jobs, they have some benefits but each is finding their way through being more independent (from their Mum) but its still awful for them. Thanks for linking up this week, next week, the optional prompt is 39/51 Healthy. 28.9.2020 Hope to see you there too. Denyse.
ReplyDeleteMy heart really goes out for those that lost work and are looking for work. It's devastating on so many levels, beyond financial (which is hard enough!).
DeleteHallo Lydia!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for my life the way it is and am happy about my health, am grateful for my friends and acquaintances, including those on the Internet, I'm fine, I don't have to go hungry and have a roof over my head, I have one Family, my pension and every reason to be grateful!
...these times are taking their toll on many. Take care and stay strong.
ReplyDeleteI can relate, such a, difficult time and the feeling of having no control over it is hard x #parentpower
ReplyDeleteI can certainly understand how you feel, the last 6 months have been draining for us all. I love the message to support local businesses too, the giant companies will survive and come back stronger but that is not always the case with a small local business.
ReplyDelete#KCACOLS
We're going into 8 months of the shut down, as we did voluntary long before the state did. I think it is interesting that it has taken so many months for bloggers starting to admit how serious this is for everyone. Blog-land isn't or should be all Unicorn farts and rainbows. I loved all the interesting images you used with this post, serious, thoughtful and strong. Which is all what we should be now! Sandi from FFriday
ReplyDeleteI think that’s a great idea to have a mental health day combined with helping out small businesses. It really is such a tragic time at the moment. Hope things really start looking up soon for everyones sake. #ParentPower
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that things have been tough. I have started a new job on tiop of my others as we want to move house so need more income. It is HARD! But I feel so grateful to have work and to be thinking about the future. Thanks for linking up with #parentpower
ReplyDeleteI think the effects of all this are going to continue to be felt for a long, long time. Its important for us all to take the time and make sure that we are doing Ok, at least as much as possible #dreamteam
ReplyDeleteWe really need to support our local and small businesses as it is usually more personal and helps the community in general. Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
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