Some say, ‘love (it is a river)’

I was midway through my ‘What am I? series when COVID19 began to really affect the UK and it has taken me a while to find the words to say to this crisis we are facing. I feel so terribly sad for the people who have lost loved ones; lost jobs; struggling to get work as self employed or struggling as health workers to cope with the increasing demands on the health service we are so blessed to have. I have friends and family all in these situations.

I am also sad that on mother’s day many of you (like me) are separated from our loved ones, because we love them but I am so thankful that I can still see my mother through the digital technology we have. I know that is not the case for some. I also am grateful to be a mum and to know that love. I also know that isn’t the case for some too. So many mixed emotions, running through my head. As a spiritual person , I am really counting my blessings right now for the things I have , rather than what I don’t have. That is survival.

So here is what I am grateful for (not to boast) but I hope you too can create your own list to remind yourselves all is not lost:

a) Ok I can’t go to the gym that I love but I am grateful that I am healthy and can still go into my garden;

b) Ok I have to stay indoors but I am grateful to have that roof over my head;

c) I can’t see my friends and family but I can whatsapp video them to see how they are;

d) I can’t see my work colleagues but I can connect through MS teams and email;

e) Some of my ambitions are put on hold but I can still learn to be better at my craft and at least I have my skills;

f) Sometimes I feel lonely but I still have food , clothes, my husband and my son close by;

g) I can’t go to church but I can tune in online , it is also a good time to read , meditate and be at peace

To those with anxiety or depression…my plea don’t focus on the news it will only distress further, know the basics from Government, focus on the fact that spring continues outside, look at the birds, the trees (life). Recall the good times, the good memories and build strategies to get you through whatever works for you. Eat well and sleep well above all else.

The final verse of the ‘Rose’ -the title of my piece sums up my message today:

‘When the night has been too lonely

and the road has been too long

And you think that love is only

For the lucky and the strong

Just remember in the winter

Far beneath the bitter snow

Lies the seed that with the sun’s love

In the spring becomes the rose.

For those self employed who have resources they want me to share, contact me on my contact page- happy to help

Until next time….