Surviving lockdown

Hello Marlifers,

For those who live out of Ireland and read Marlife, you might have heard that the whole country has been put on a second lockdown until the beginning of December. The government more or less said that this harsh decision is the only one they had to make in order to tackle the spread of Covid. Even though it is not we want, I guess it is the right decision.

This pandemic has affected us all, in different ways, and it is true #WeAreInThisTogether. Sadly, some people have died, some people have lost loved ones and have not been able to have a proper funeral; businesses closing down for good; some people have lost their jobs. It has affected mental health, domestic abouse has increased, and the list goes on and on and one. It has been very hard and, for some very sad.

Counting our blessings

I consider myself a very optimistic person, and I try to keep my hopes up by saying to myself "this won't last forever". However, if I have to be completely honest, I have to say that sometimes I find a bit hard to be working from home, because it's like sometimes I can't separate one from the other. I am quite good to try to separate my domestic life from my working life. Now this was prior Covid. Having said that, I know it is nothing in comparison other people's situations. 

I feel for those who live on their own; for those who live on their own and are sick or have a medical condition. I REALLY feel for the erderly who also live on their own. My heart goes out to them. My feeling was exhacerbated even more when I read an article written by David Monaghan, who I know through GCN - Gay Community News - where I work. In his article titled "For Many Elderly People, the Pandemic has Worsened a Sense of Lonliness" - David speaks about the impact this pandemic has had on older people. When I read the article, which is written in a very informative yet candid way, the first thing that came to my mind was "What can I do to help?" - so I am doing some research to find a way to lend my helping hand to bring a little bit of solace to some elderly who live on their own and feel lonely.

David in his article mentioned NGO - ALONE.

Counting our blessings

I feel lucky I have my hubby, John. This pandemic has taught me to appreciate him and what we have as a couple even more. However, yes, sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming (for him more than for me) 😅 I am grateful I have his company. We are very much relying on each other's company. Also I have Sammy, our dog as part of my blessings.

What can I say and/or offer?

First of all, remember nothing lasts forever, including this pandemic. We will eventually get there. Try to remain hopeful and positive. I know it is easier to say it than do it, but at least try.

For those who are able, excersing and walking is always great. It will keep us fit and good for our mental health. We are walking with Sammy a lot as we have a park nearby, and it feels great.

Use your creativity. I am sure your imagination is flying aorund in your head. Use it even if it's for making trivial things. Read a book, watch movies, watch TV. The internet is always very useful if you would like to use it to amuse yourself or stimulate your curiosity. 

There plenty of great podcats out there. No matter the topic you are into politics, fashion, humor, music whatever topic you like to listen to, there is a podcast for.

Call family and friends on the phone more. I have been doing this more now than ever before.

If you are into social media, I am humble to tell you that if you would like to follow me, you are more than welcome. As part of trying to amuse myself, I am always creating content that is light, positive, sometimes inspiring, sometimes crazy and silly, but I am always putting stuff out there and a lot of people love it. I am on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and I also have a podcast, MarlonDublinSouthFM, of a radio show I am part of called "The Power Of  Dreams Show" on Dublin South 93.9FM.

Cooking is also a great way to find joy. My hubby is the cook in our home, but again, I try or together we try to make it an adventure when we can. So yes we are eating a lot these days hehehe.

I would like to finish by saying, remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. After a very rainy day, we can see a rainbow. Stay positive, motivated and optimistc, or at least try. You are not alone. Reach out to people if you feel you need to or want to. Feel free to reach out to me, I like helping when I can.

And remember, always remember that the last thing that remained in Pandora's box was...HOPE! And #WeAreInThisTogether

Thanks for reading!

Marlon/Marlife