Something on my mind. People around me are talking about having a big party when it all ends, a street party, or even bigger, on the playing field. I know it's nice to think about such things, to plan what to do when the veil is lifted and we can all go back to doing what we want to do. But my gut feeling is that we can't go back, this is a life changing situation that we are in. It's a wake up call telling us that we all have to take more responsibility for our own lives, and in many cases responsibility for other people's lives.
The question I ask is how will we know when the lockdown is ended? Are people waiting for the announcement from government saying that's it all clear, back to how we were. Well it ain't going to happen. The Coronavirus won't suddenly disappear one day, we won't wake up one morning and heave a sigh of relief thinking thank goodness for that, now we can start living again.
My logical mind tells me it will be a gradual process which could take place over a whole year. After this wake up call I for one will want to distance myself from other humans as much as I can. I will select the friends that I wish to stay in touch with. I will want to know something about their backgrounds, and I will be cautious about allowing new friends into my life. If this sounds a bit anti social so be it, it is my way of taking personal responsibility for myself. I am a friendly sort, I like chatting, but I will be more careful in future.
I don't think a party is appropriate for celebrating the end, whenever that will be. I will remember all the deaths, all the lives that the virus has claimed, all the families that will be grieving, and all those who have lost their jobs and have to make a new start. I just hope that people can pull through. I for one will be grateful that I am still alive, if I am still alive.
Look after yourselves. ilona xxx
Warmer sun but bitter wind still
56 minutes ago
Totally my feeling. It won't end like that, the virus will still be around and even a vaccination won;t make everything totally safe again. For myself, I'm going to be very, very careful where and how I go out from now on. Some things will never be the same again.
ReplyDeletexx
Hi Joy. Vaccinations have their place, people's lives are saved because we have them. But more lives could be saved by not catching diseases in the first place.
DeleteExactly my feeling too
DeleteEstoy totalmente de acuerdo con usted, esto no va a terminar de repente.
ReplyDelete¡cuidese! la necesitamos
Translation.....I totally agree with you, this is not going to end suddenly.
DeleteTake care! We need it
Wise words, Ilona. And I think of the environmental and social benefits that are happening - less air travel, more people working from home, supporting local farms and independent shops, getting to know your family better, learning new skills. I hope these embed. I am certainly making permanent changes to living life differently, least of all making sure my immune system is in tip-top condition.
ReplyDeleteGood comment, Denise. I wonder why people can't work from home indefinitely. Use this as a trial period with a view to making it permanent. No more commuting. Cut right back on food being flown in from all parts of the world. It's nice to have a few treats, but British food would support our own farmers.
DeleteTotally agree Ilona.
ReplyDeleteI think people are being very naive if they thing that one day we will declare this is over and we can go back to normal.
It will be a new, gradual and different normal.
I don't think people realise how serious this is. I can see mental health becoming an even bigger issue because they will be completely lost and unable to embrace change.
DeleteI think the world governments should be giving ver heavy warnings to the effect of Stay Home ! ! You don't know how many you will infect before symptoms are apparent.
DeleteWould you like to be responsible for the infection of whole families where the Mum dies and leaves the kids or the children are taken away alone, suffer alone and sometimes die alone with no family contact....would you want your elderly parent to end their days this way, your friends or family ? ?
Not everyone will be badly affected by their symptoms BUT would you really want to be responsible for deaths of multiple people or the lifelong traumatic experience of children hauled off to hospital isolation and treatment.
Stay safe, eat healthy and stay in touch with friends. 😷
I feel exactly the same.
ReplyDeleteI hope that some good comes out of all this and those of us that come through the other side are more mindful of how things were before and during ... and how they should be after.
We need to find a 'new normal', not revert to the old one that didn't work that well for so many people.
So true, Sue. The 'new normal' will not be to everyone's taste, and the only people they will hurt is themselves if they fail to adapt.
DeleteMy thoughts exactly Ilona, things will never be the same, this should be a wake up call to us all.xx
ReplyDeleteI hope people do wake up, but I fear some will not.
DeleteI believe it will be a long time before we are totally clear of the virus, maybe months, maybe years. By that time people will be so used to their new lives they won't remember how it was before and that's also if the entertainment and shops will resurface from their enforced closures. No, this will be the start of a new way of living for the majority of people, which is in some way sad, but I think more realistic.
ReplyDeleteI predict a year. The key to people getting through this is how they accept changes and adapt to a new way of living. Some will cling to the saying, 'that's how we have always done it'. They will suffer the most.
DeleteI'm with you, Ilona--we can relax a bit a full flu season after an effective vaccine is developed. I was in the 4th grade when the Salk vaccine was developed. I remember the line to get the vaccine snaked all the way through the school. Even then, with polio mostly eradicated in developed countries, there was no clear date, and no party...just a collective sigh of relief that it was over.
DeleteGreat post Ilona. I hope it makes people realise that they can do with half the things they desire. Like, do we really need to jet all over the world on holidays and do we need as much food as we buy, so many things to think about.
ReplyDeleteKeep safe we can't have you out of action, lol
Briony
x
Hi Bri. When I saw the pictures of aeroplanes parked up in a neat row, not going anywhere, I rejoiced. When I read about airline staff losing their jobs, then I read that vegetables and fruit will rot in the fields because there aren't enough pickers, I thought, there's your answer. We need food more than we need to fly. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI feel like I am going to be in for a very long time. My husband is shielding and I am just going out for one early walk a day. I haven't been to a shop for over three weeks now, nor seen my children or grandchildren. Without a vaccine I don't think I will be able to confidently see anyone.
ReplyDeleteAlison P - long time reader but first time commenter!
Hello Alison. Thank you for your comment, but it disturbs me. When I see the word 'shielding' I see it as 'controlling'. I worry for your well being.
DeleteIt's just the name the government gave for when someone has an illness that makes them even more vulnerable if they get Covid-19 so they have been told to stay in for 12 weeks. I'm not imprisoning him! I'm social distancing so I don't inadvertently bring it home to him.
DeleteAlison P
Shielding in this context means protecting, it has nothing to do with being controlled. People on the shielding list have illnesses that mean if they get Covid-19 they could have a much more serious illness.
DeleteThank you for explaining that.
DeleteGreat post Ilona - couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Stay safe.
DeleteStrong words.....but oh so true! With each announcement about "guidelines to follow" I feel we are going back to "the olden days"....when people put family and home before huge houses, fancy cars, designer clothes, frequent dining out, etc. I'm ok with that (in fact I've kinda been living that way anyway)....but, I do have a deep sorrow for all of the lives that are being lost during this pandemic...it's such a huge price to pay....
ReplyDeleteSharon - new subscriber... found your blog on That British Woman's blog roll... :-)
Welcome Sharon, nice to hear from you. Going back to the olden days won't be such a big deal for those of us who were brought up in working class families and had to learn how to live on a small income. It's the younger people who think they are entitled to do whatever they want, and have whatever they want, who will struggle. The world has been spinning out of control too fast, it now needs to do some back pedalling and think about what really matters.
DeleteYour comment about a party reminds me of the VE Day celebrations, when some were left with nothing to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteNothing except their lives, Mo. I think that announcing the end of the war must have been a big relief to a lot of people. The destruction and loss of life they endured must have been terrible, no wonder they wanted to celebrate the end of that.
DeleteThe end of the pandemic is not a date that we can choose, it will be chosen for us depending how it pans out.
I'm not sure about everything changing for the better.
ReplyDeleteI think idiots will still go on being idiots, the selfish will still be selfish, the big spenders will spend even more. There will be huge debt everywhere and a world wide depression!
That's my prediction - hope I'm not right
I think you may be right on some of those points. I would hope that some people would change for the better, but I also think that the gulf between rich and poor will become even wider. It's heartening to know that there are people calling for the airlines to bail themselves out, and the highly paid footballers should take a cut in wages to donate to the workers at the stadiums in a job.
DeleteI blame the problem of debt on easy access of credit for the ordinary person, and the use of plastic cards instead of real money. Some people are living in a virtual world and have completely lost touch with reality. It will hit them when their statements come rolling in. Thanks for your comment.
I lay awake at night wondering all these same things. We can't ever go back to things the way they were. We will all be forever changed by this. If we make it through, we will work on being better prepared for the next time something like this happens....and it will.
ReplyDeleteIf people carry on travelling the world, something else is bound to land on our shores sooner or later.
DeleteI have to agree, Ilona, that things will never be the same. Lockdown will end for me when we are told we can visit family members at last and can have a real hug instead of a virtual one on WhatsApp video calls. I don't think supermarket shopping in person will ever be as comfortable as I found it before.
ReplyDeleteI don't expect to be able to do exactly as I liked with no restrictions, but to keep in touch with family and close friends would be nice. I have always picked my times when to go to the supermarket to try and avoid the rush. I may try shopping late at night.
DeleteNo the crisis won't suddenly end, the Government have already said the restrictions on our daily living will be gradually lifted, it won't be sudden, it's as they've said many times all down to how the virus acts, there may be a slowing down in the summer months but it could escalate again during winter. That's why both our country and others are looking to see what happens in China now they've lifted some restrictions. Nobody expects to wake up one morning and it's all back to normal.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they should plan the party for a years time, just to be on the safe side.
DeleteYes, and we never will know exactly what happened in China, both now and when this all started. They will tell us what they want for us to know.
DeleteThe China thing is a bit of a mystery, something doesn't add up. I have my theories over that.
DeleteThis won't end for me and hubby until there is a vaccine. There is a vaccine for the flu and I know of so many(seniors) that don't get the shot. Perhaps they will think differently about one for Corvid 19. My hopefulness is that many people think of others, of not wasting food and products, of being mindful of their buying habits, and thinking of their salvation. In Los Angeles last week, the news showed a group of 40 people being told to disperse and stay home. The crowd looked very angry. They were celebrating a 1 year olds birthday obviously not thinking of what is good for everyone. After this is over, I agree that there will be a bigger divide between rich and poor. Hopefully we will come together and help each other and over come greed because the government cannot take full responsibility. Patty McDonald
ReplyDeleteForty people to celebrate a baby's birthday, that's crazy.
DeleteThankful for talking about this Ilona.I am getting quite anxious about it all.I try to remain positive but find it difficult.The dogs are my immediate concern here and the mornings are taken with games.Even lovely lily is getting irritated without her off lead runs.As I'm hiding treats in the house she has eaten more and was up several times in the early hours with an upset tummy that then disturbed the other 3.The stress has set of a headache.I know I should not moan but my world is miserable at the moment.I know that once Boris says that it's allowed to go out to the countryside again I shall be fine x
ReplyDeleteHello flis. I am prone to stress and anxiety, which is obviously a whole lot worse now, so do have some idea of how you are feeling. That's not a grumble from me, but just to say you are not alone and this dreadful time will pass. Sending you a big hug xx
DeleteThankful ever so much.I didn't realise that I would be like this,I knew as I was always a worrier- even as a child.My usual routine kept me stable it now seems.It's the panic that almost overwhelms me at times which I know I can deal with if I concentrate on my breathing as the yoga teacher taught x
DeleteI think it will be many, many months before there's even a glimmer of things easing up, unfortunately. I hope I'm wrong. x
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to think that it will be all blown over by say July, then we could enjoy the summer, but I think that might be a bit optimistic.
DeleteI agree with your commenters....we all have to rethink our priorities especially those here in the US with Trump and his cronies
ReplyDeleteI am another one who thinks until we have a vaccine, this virus will still be in the community. I think life as we know it is definitely on hold and I for one will not happily shop in a big supermarket again, being at high risk. I think restrictions will be lifted but just KNOW that some folk will see that as an opportunity to travel halfway across the country for a day out. (Think Snowdon).
ReplyDeleteWe are managing at the present, happily at home, but our house is on the market and we DO need to sell and downsize. As for our trading at Antiques Fairs, we don't intend to do that until we have been vaccinated. Dealers come from all over at the huge Fleamarket we go to at Malvern.
I just want to be able to hug my two grown children who are out in the wide world and see them other than chatting on Skype.
I have a feeling that Sue in Suffolk will be right and most people would want to carry on as they always have done, oblivious to the bigger picture and benefits to change their lifestyle. There WILL be a recession, that much is certain.
Just praying we and our family and friends get through this.
As you have pointed out this virus has many repercussions throughout our lifestyles. Nothing is straight forward any more like buying and selling a house. I hope you find a way round it.
DeleteI am crying because my son and daughter in law and my little granddaughter live in Brooklyn. My son went there six years ago on a job swap for his company in London, in search of a better life. He has a job in advertising and very talented with artwork . But now his job is on the line and he has sent to pay. I feel so helpless, thousands of miles away. But at least we have Skype. Stay safe Ilona and thanks for all your lovely positive posts xxn
ReplyDeleteIf only we knew what was around the corner we could plan our lives accordingly. People naturally move to better jobs, better housing, but when there is a spanner thrown into the works a new direction might need to be considered. Sit it out, Linda, use your Skype daily, a solution will appear eventually.
DeleteI agree that there won't be any semblance of "normal" until there is a vaccine. And that's only if the virus doesn't start to mutate as quickly as influenza does. Grim.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that this terrible virus is going to be around for a long time to come and normality whatever that is will be a long way off particularly for the more vulnerable. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, life cannot be the same and going from our present situation to full on fun and indulgence would be completely wrong. I won't be attending any parties.
ReplyDeleteI think people will be cautious for a long time. My friend wants to go to lunch and talk after this is over but I don't want to eat out. How will I know if that person is infected and passing on the virus through the wipe of a brow and then touching my food or the package it is wrapped in or the dishes. No I think I will be less likely to hug and to engaged closely for a while. But my husband says they are working on a vaccine. That would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI want to say too that I have faith in God that He alone is my protector. But He has said to be wise and so in wisdom I will be cautious but I also have faith that He will protect me and He will provide for everyone a solution for this pandemic. Ps. 103, Ps. 91
ReplyDeleteI think it will end when the discover a drug to treat it successfully. They are conducting some medical trials now with drugs we already have. Some have showed good results in other countries so far.
ReplyDeleteAnything is worth a try.
DeleteNot negativity, Nicks, just being realistic. There are some people who believe there is a pill or an injection to cure all ills, there isn't. I have a flu vaccination but I don't expect to be fully protected. There are other things I can do to minimise the risk, like keeping well away from people who might be infected.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading your blog Ilona when you started and how you, like a lot of us were trying to deal with very challenging economic times and having to do yellow sticker shopping and how to be super frugal and being very careful with every penny. The irony is, a decade on, all that information is going to become very relevant again..
ReplyDelete