In recent times of social distancing I learnt to take distance in other areas of my life.
Coping with the sense of loss (of what I had before Covid) and adapting forever to new ways (during living with Covid) was easier when I remembered that other people were struggling with similar or same issues. Knowing that folks in every corner of the locality and indeed the rest of the world were subjected to similar risks and restrictions made me feel like I have more in common with other people than I ever thought. It was not only me going bananas at home while trying to homeschool my children and keep the house standing. It was not only me missing my family and friends who live over 2000 km away (so outside the 5km zone). It was not only me feeling more than uncomfortable trying to keep 2 metres apart when meeting people in the shop, at work, in the street. It was not only me fearing what was coming next.
The data is telling me that 6 out of 10 people admitted they were feeling negatively impacted by Covid. I noticed that it was more socially acceptable to share feelings around struggling, anxiety, worries during the past year and a half. So we had to physically distance ourselves from each other but we were willing to open up and share more about our feelings… Interesting dynamics if you ask me…
I learnt that many things are outside of my control and not only because of the world pandemic. So I paid less attention to things outside of my control and I learnt to allow things that matter to come to me instead. Patience on my own terms. I can control that. I hope I will continue hearing the voice encouraging me to take breaks, walks and time to enjoy all good moments in the company of others or by myself when restrictions ease off this month.
As Trim FRC Coordinator I will be involved in writing a 3-year Strategic Plan for your FRC, the official 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. Will you let our Board Directors, staff members and myself know what you think might be a valuable idea to add? What could Trim FRC plan for to support the needs of families in your local area? Let things that matter come to your mind and share with us. Are 6 out of 10 people in your area affected negatively by Covid? Less? More? What supports might be useful for you or your family? Let’s keep it simple and local, not just because of the restrictions, but because of what we learnt from them.