It’s not easy to start this, I’m always trying to give off this happy wedding vibe but like a lot of people out there struggling with this Covid 19 situation, I’ve been feeling a little low recently.

Deep breath… Years ago, in New York City, I suffered with terrible panic attacks, so bad that I didn’t leave my apartment for three months at one point and had to stop driving because getting in a car was the most terrifying thing I could do. I’ve always joked that New York was the perfect place for this as everyone there has countless neuroses and there are an equal amount of doctors waiting to take your money for a 45 minute chat and dish out some hard-core drugs to see you on your way.

After the drugs and the counselling, I started looking after myself, getting exercise, saying no to things that I didn’t want to do, getting out into the fresh air and appreciating the things that I’d got rather than striving for the things I thought I should have.

I’ve been better for years.

Yes, the odd little anxiety attack, normally if I’m driving, and a few low points through the year but generally, I keep on top of things and I’m very aware of my “dips”, when they’re coming and what to do when they’re on their way.

I say again, I’ve been better for years – I think that’s important. To acknowledge that I did that – I got better. I’m really bloody proud of this.

Right now though with Covid 19 being the only thing we have conversations about, I’ve found it hard to stick to my usual coping techniques, obviously the school run is out, walks in the park are limited, tennis is off, a drink with friends is a no-no and family lunches are put on hold.

I’m managing to keep a lid on things at the moment but yes, I’m worried.

I’m worried about my family, my little business that I’ve put so much hard work and love into over the years and I’m anxious every night that one of my many achy muscles, that little tickle in my throat or a pounding headache are symptoms of this shitty Covid-19.

I know that everyone I’ve spoken to recently feels the same!

I’m not feeling in the least bit creative right now and I feel guilty about that, I’m trying, I really am.

I’m taking a photo every day of this Lockdown situation but it’s not coming naturally. I’m having to force myself to take the photo, to do the damn activity to make the photo worthwhile!

But even though it felt like a chore, I’m so glad I persevered last week because seeing what we did made me feel a little better, like I’d at least achieved something in those first seven days of isolation.

I see so many posts on social media about things to do during this time, learn a new language, take up calligraphy (I actually signed up for that one!) refresh your website and big up your SEO. Homeschool like a demon and still have time to cuddle your kid on the sofa while making sourdough bread.

It’s too much.

This is the time that we should all just be focusing on being present with the ones we love, the ones we love and can actually be with, because there’s so many people out there isolating alone and I can’t imagine how lonely that must be.

So while you’re staying at home (and please #stayhome!) there’s a few things you can do to cheer up the ones you’re not seeing enough of right now.

Drop them a line and say hello, knowing that someone’s thinking of them is sure to put a smile on their face, set up a video chat (with wine!) or a virtual games night.

Help alleviate the worries of small business owners like myself by liking their posts on social media (a like is brilliant but a Love and a comment are even better in the world of social media algorithms!) and I’m sure they’d be over the moon with a review on Facebook or Google.

Rave about them – post a photo of something they’ve done for you and tell the world how amazing they are so that when this is over, hopefully, with a little support, their fantastic business will still be there and continue to thrive!

Self employed people need a little help right now. Photographers, decorators, cleaners, florists, make up artists, hairdressers, film makers, artists, designers and everyone else putting their heart and soul into turning their dream into reality and watching it all possibly crumble in just a few short months.

None of us expected this, none of us really know how to handle it or what to do for the best but what we do know is that We’ve Got This. With a little help from each other, we’ll come out the other side, a little worn and wary but ready to start again and hopefully with a newfound sense of creativity and inspired to be the very best we can be!

So, while the going is tough, I’m grabbing my camera again and taking today’s photo for Week 2 of isolation. And I’m going to keep on doing that because it helps keep me sane, and the memories keep me happy 🙂

Then I’m going to try this homeschooling lark again before giving it all in, watching Mallory Towers and working out how to turn frozen fishfingers into a gourmet meal!

Because sometimes, even on the quietest of days, we just have to admit that adulting isn’t going very well right now and what we really need is comfort TV, chocolate and wine.

With my usual coping mechanisms out the window, I’ve had to find new ones!

If I’m one of those people that you want to leave a rave review for or send a few Likes, Loves and Comments my way, you’ll find me at the links below.

And of course, if you’re planning your wedding, that’s definitely one of the things that keeps me happy, so drop me a line and tell me all about it!

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Thankyou for reading xxxx