Well, here we are again and it is difficult to write a post that doesn’t sound trivial. This is a time of looking at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I hope that you have the basic needs of access to money, a roof over your head, food and water followed closely by safety. I have friends who have been made redundant and are seeking new jobs at a difficult time and are nervous financially. Others have had relationships crumble under the stress of being together or due to the natural ‘flight and fight’ aspects of dealing with a situation that is out of our personal control. Some have chosen to take a leap of faith and move in together which leads to the next level of psychological needs, people. Schedule regular online calls with friends, family and colleagues. Be brave and reach out to catch up for coffee, food, a drink online. We have reconnected with friendships that had become a quick text and it is lovely to see familiar faces. The further levels are important but from my perspective, level 1 and 2 are of utmost importance in another lockdown and going in to my least favourite season, winter.
What Do I Need?
We moved to France right after the official lockdown which is scheduled until the end of November. We were are unable to book a hotel or flight but managed to book a car. We will drove down for two days with two cats and found a pet-friendly hotel who allowed us to rent a room. Here are some bits of conversation we have had with friends and what we need.
- A good partner – this could be your life partner or a friend, I have heard of good friends moving in together as support;
- Good friends who you can call for a quick coffee, drink or general chat online and I recommend giving the virus only 10 mins of conversation before moving on to something else
- The internet – this has helped with keeping in contact but also to watch old and new tv and films. I find myself attracted to comedies and older series, away from the darker, grittier work
- Books – many friends have said they are reading positive books and one is even re-reading childhood books
- Pets – another friend has got herself a rescue dog and says it has been fantastic, giving her a focus and companionship
- Chocolate and coffee – I find a dark piece of chocolate with an afternoon coffee is something to enjoy and for my husband, it is access to cooking ingredients
Going Into the Dark
I envy my Australian family and friends as they are moving in to summer while we move in to the dark grey of winter. My least favourite season and so we are focusing on what gives us comfort. We have a well-loved sofa with new cushions and lovely throws and we are joined by the cats who snuggle down. We have also bought a new coffee machine for proper coffee which included buying freshly ground coffee that is amazing and gives you a zing for the start of the day!
My Space
Our homes have become even more important at the moment as a calm space to retreat to, that offers a sense of balance and peace – not easy for us at the moment when we are living with half our furniture at the moment and bare walls minus pictures. Look and see what you can paint, recycle or even create to give a space to find inner harmony. This made me think of the key interior items I need to give me a sense of comfort like a cocoon and it is often the small things.
- A comfortable bed – many of us have days where you just want to pull the covers over our heads
- Use the good crockery and glassware – we often use these when guests come and I say use it for yourself
- If you are able, go and get some good pillows, a warm throw, new pyjamas – it is all about comfort
So as we move in to the lockdown tomorrow, stay safe but also stay positive.
