Strange Times

I am not really sure where to start. So much has happened in the last week, and so much will still happen, but here - thankfully - we are all fine. We are self isolating for 14 days as per the government guidelines because I have a "sudden and persistent cough" along with other cold/virus symptoms. My instinct is that it's just a cold and I feel a bit of a fraud being stuck at home with John and the children, but that's easy for me to say because I am fortunate to be a generally healthy person. It might not be just a cold, and I work with people - children and adults - who don't have the same levels of immunity that I take for granted, and I have to remember that. It's all so strange, trying to strike the balance between being sensible but not overreacting. 

I have been trying to take things easy since the weekend as I've not been feeling well, but I do find it hard to stay chipper when I'm under the weather. I like to be busy, feeling productive is good for me, and so I'm now trying to find a navigate a way through this surreal situation where we are at home. All of us. At home. For the next two weeks. Luckily there is still lots we can do, including getting out for fresh air and exercise, and both children's schools have already made work available online for them to do.

But I am very, very worried, and I imagine you are too, and so today I am here for the calm and positivity, not covid-19 chat. I imagine you want a break from that? I know I do. So, here are some of the things that are working for me and my mental health right now:

Looking out for signs of spring and watching it unfold in the garden. That fact that spring is happening around us is truly keeping me sane at the moment.

Bringing the first flower cut from the garden into the house.

John assembled my cold frame and my seeds have somewhere snug to grow. I have been pottering in the garden for an hour or so each day. I'm desperate to get out there and start tackling projects but at the moment I'm just doing small tasks like a bit of tidying or weeding until I have more energy.

The dog. Never have I loved him so much, and especially for his constancy and steadiness. He knows nothing about the news, he just carries on being consistently himself; following us around the house when he wants a walk, stealing unattended food, barking at the cat across the road, greeting visitors with a mad frenzy of love and licks. 

Starting a new craft project. Crafting is always wonderfully mindful and finally I find I have the time to look at this little beaded bracelet kit I bought from Purl Soho on holiday in New York last summer.

I have a way to go with my tension, and goodness it's fiddly, but I am enjoying the process.

Finishing a craft project is always satisfying, especially when the item in questions fits beautifully.

Although there are sadly less opportunities to show them off at the moment. Unless I can wave my wrist warmers at people from a distance of two metres.

These two, embracing the notion of homeschooling, went rummaging in the toy cupboard and found a science kit. Before they'd even had breakfast.

I am taking the opportunity to do the most everyday jobs mindfully and am finding some peace in the normality of it. Even changing the bedding, packing away the winter duvet, freshening up the room - it all helps me.

Other things that help:

getting out

staying busy

laughing

talking to friends a lot on the phone or via messaging

listening to podcasts

watching mindless tv

avoiding the news

Let me know please what is working for you? I sincerely hope you lovely lot are all ok and, if unwell or self isolating, are finding a positive way through it. I will continue to be here, doing my thing, bringing you a regular dose of daily life. Even homeschooling....now that will be interesting. Much love to you all.