Isn’t it totally surreal? No one could predict such a catastrophic situation and in some ways, it feels like we’re living in a terrifying novel, or a modern day war! Our immediate enemy has become a devastating virus, not a person carrying a gun. But we have two enemies – the virus and our human selfishness.
The toilet roll fiasco is unbelievable. My husband David and I have encountered old couples in the local supermarket looking for a single roll of toilet paper who are disturbed to find there is none. David didn’t have any in his trolley, so instead he gave an old guy his kitchen towels as he was crying. So shocking. It demonstrates the level of selfishness that pervades our modern society. Is this what we have become?
Perhaps this virus is natures way of teaching us a lesson?
Be less selfish and save our beautiful planet.
What can we do? In my opinion we must listen to medical advice, support each other, create online communities and stay apart for now. How sad, but how necessary. It’s strange that social media has now become even more important. It has become our friend, our link to our ‘real life friends,’ our ‘family abroad and in other cities.’ BUT it is not always trustworthy there are scammers out there praying on the vulnerable and elderly and the added threat of false news and misinformation. So be careful, only trust in legitimate sources of information such as the WHO and the NHS.
So, keep safe, wash your hands meticulously, avoid going to crowded places such as pubs, restaurants, and clubs. And God forbid you go to the gym. It’s a sweaty germ factory. Instead, take a walk in nature, or a meander in your back garden. Perhaps consider buying gym equipment at home to use, or try an online yoga class, or mindfulness.
I know what I will be doing if I have to self isolate, as long as I am well, in my spare time (as I still have to work,) I will be reading, listen to audio books, watching TV, writing and running around the garden!
Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Remember to tell them every day you love them. This is a war and we must fight. In all wars the depths of the human spirit will astound us. Let’s be kind, and unselfish in our actions. There is a lot of good in the human race, so let’s keep that coming. A huge thank you to all the nurses, doctors, care workers, educational key workers and medical staff, who put their lives at risk to save others. They are our heroes, let us praise them.
Useful and fun links:
Mental Health: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/coronavirus-mental-health-self-isolate-how-to-manage-quarantine-a9404431.html
Humour from Donna: http://yadadarcyyada.com/2020/03/17/im-still-standing-yeah-yeah-yeah/
From author Danny Kemp: https://theauthordannykemp.com/2020/03/18/an-explanation-of-coronavirus/
Discover Wildlife: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/news/charities-reserves-gardens-coronavirus/
A diary project for children stuck at home: https://kathrynevans.ink/covid-19-diary-project/
Some flowers for you. Cambridge Botanical Gardens Glasshouse
Yup. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay home!! If everyone would just stay home, this will go away. We have been doing this in Spain for over a week and it’s not so bad. Better than getting sick and spreading the virus.
Thank you Darlene and you too. It’s so frightening and stressful. My work at a school is still open for a small team of staff including myself. I’m not happy going in but at the moment I have no choice, I hope we can move to working from home. Very scary. Other than that I am self-isolating, social distancing. Take care. x
The botanical gardens photo is GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing it.
My pleasure Priscilla. I love taking photos of nature, flowers and trees. 🙂
Great info Marje. Forget the sweaty gyms etc. everything should be closed like the rest of the quarantined world, especially gyms and social meeting places and businesses. Stay home. Please!!! ❤
The behavior of many people during this time of crisis can be quiet disturbing.
Be safe.
Stay healthy.
You too. It’s hard to believe this is happening. Stay safe. x
xo
I’m home now Debby. As are my girls but as you know hubby isn’t too well. Worrying times.
It’s totally surreal, Marje. But the image of the botanical garden is gorgeous, which shows that there are still ways to be safe, get out, and de-stress. Great post.
Thank you Diana. And yes it’s good to get out in nature. Take care. Marje x
It is an ugly world with hoarders. I hope all this silliness stops and that people think of others.
Yes me too. Horrible people. 🙁
Nicely done covering these tips!
I think that garden is beautiful.
Definitely some opportunities here, despite the chaos. I’ve shared a few of them before.
Got to make the most with what we have and these tips are a good way to start.
Thanks for sharing! (:
Thank you Brandon. The garden is one of my favourite places to spend time. Take care. Stay well. 🙂
Sending love and health 💜
Thank you Willow and to you too. x
💜💜
Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and well, Marje. 🙂
And to you too Kevin. 🙂
Thanks for a positive post, things are all a bit weird at the moment. Stay safe.
I’m planning on doing a series of these Richard. Take care. A new one this weekend.
I’m a senior citizen of 81 years 9 months . To counter the high volume of panic news, I’ve posted a most encouraging video explaining; “People don’t die of influenza, they die of chronic vitamin C deficiency – view and save lives now https://wp.me/p2VBZ8-35X
Thanks for sharing. Interesting article. Stay safe and well. 🙂
This whole Coronavirus situation has been incredibly unsettling.
This explanation was written by a doctor in the Midlands in England and elaborates on why some people get mild symptoms while others become critically ill: https://myhomefarm.co.uk/coronavirus-and-viral-load
It’s also got a lot of helpful advice for families that are self-isolating.
I’ve been following all the news, updates and advice, but no one has really been focusing on viral load, which is strange because it makes an awful lot of sense.
Thank you for this it does sound sensible advice and I agree I haven’t read this anywhere before. I’ve shared via my twitter.
I wonder if it’s not been highlighted so as not discourage people on the frontline that are getting exposed to the virus regularly.
Yes, and that is probably why there are suited up with protective clothing. Though, I believe these are in short supply.
The only thing we humans can do is support each other during this difficult time.
https://theboldvibe.com/2020/03/19/coronavirus-awakeupcall/
Thank you for the link. Wonderful blogging resources coming out of this experience. Keep safe and well. 🙂
A lovely act of kindness with the kitchen roll. I think ‘Take care of yourself and your loved ones’ is such an important message, and, despite these tragic circumstances, let’s hope we no longer take the basics or our loved ones for granted.
And I’m joining you on the reading and writing, I’ve also taken up volunteering and some crafts. You can read about it here if you’d like https://ageofescapades.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/the-friday-five/
It’s definitely about finding the silver linings in all of this!
Yes it is the only way to cope with it all Lucy. Thank you for the link and for your thoughts. Stay safe. Marje
Love this, such a good read!! Could you possibly read my post on the history of pandemics? I’m new to blogging and was hoping I could get some feedback. https://kspoliticsandnews.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/pandemics-in-historical-context-economics/
Thanks for sharing it’s nice to know that there are sensitive people like David out there who share kitchen towels and shed a tear. And I love those flowers at Cambridge, they are truly special! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I love the flowers too and miss the gardens very much.