Has lockdown encouraged you to contact those you'd...

[chloe40]

lost touch with?

Chloe<3

[GoGo_JoJo]

No. Far from it. Worryingly it's almost making me reach out even to my usual mates even less. I'm having to try harder to get into a regular routine to maintain "normal" contacts.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Hi GoGo_JoJo

I know exactly what you mean, it becomes harder to make the effort after a while, life is so surreal that I'm afraid that so many of us will be too frightened to go out when we finally can. There are so many in need of mental health care because of this and can you wonder at it? it really worries me.

Another concern is how life is now has become so normal will we ever be able to adapt or even enjoy life again?

What a downer, sorry!

<3

[GoGo_JoJo in reply to chloe40]

No, I am acutely aware all the time that this is far, far from "normal" and I will never accept it as so.

I do hear people saying very sad things like they don't want to get back to the real normal, and it's awful.

I am very anxious to return to the way things should be as soon as possible.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I'm with you GoGo_JoJo But what will be normal Jo? that's what worries me.

I'm desperate to make plans, any plans for anything just something, that's what's getting to me more than anything else. I have ideas and then lose the will because I can't see what's going to happen in the future, nor can anyone of course and being in limbo is unbelievably hard, rant over

<3

[Hidden in reply to chloe40]

I know what you mean as we decided the best course of action is not to make plans for holidays and things in order to save ourselves the heartbreak of them getting cancelled at short notice!

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

I think you're right not to Hidden but from what I've seen on tv today, absolutely loads have booked. I can understand them wanting to have something to look forward to but the disappointment if it doesn't happen and the terrible time trying to get their money back just isn't worth it, not for me anyway <3

<3

[Hidden in reply to chloe40]

Someone said to me they have booked to go to the Peak District in May and I had thought best of luck with that one!

We decided due to the current situation that its not worth it same as you.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

It's a shame but we just have to look forward to when we can <3

[Hidden in reply to chloe40]

We are looking forward to an at home Valentine's weekend here not doing very much.

One thing I am looking forward to is when we can have picnics and sandwiches outside in our yard and the local parks.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Ooh, that will be so romantic, have a lovely time Hidden

What a fab idea to look forward to, I just love picnics and thinking about it, there are a couple of picnic tables in our refurbished park, so that really isn't impossible to achieve.

Thanks catgirl <3

[Hidden]

Yes for me it has.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

I'm really pleased to read that Hidden

You really seem to have made the most of your time during lockdown and that's great!

<3

[Hidden in reply to chloe40]

OK things like the economy and the virus are beyond my control that I can't change and also how others choose to treat me as well and I also don't have a magic wand to magic up jobs from thin air either!

What I decided is that my own behaviour is something that I can control and how well I treat other people in the way I would want to be treated myself and also keeping at job hunting as well as one day something will come up as that has been getting me down lately but I don't control who else applies for jobs or whether or not the jobs have unofficially gone before anyone goes to interview and as long as I know I have given my best then that's all that matters!

I had a cold walk first thing this morning which I enjoyed!

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

That's a marvellous attitude Hidden so positive, proud of you! <3

[Greyone]

I have been undecided about doing this; but my conscience has bee prodding me for so long. I did with Christmas cards but find other ex-colleagues and old friends are fully absorbed in their own situations.

Having said that , i have not been prompted to reply to any missing acquaintances.

Maybe in summer if this is all behind us...

But i am getting on and in two weeks will be a year older and maybe thinking more about how to enjoy the evening of my life and who i would like to be apart of that.

When mum died i resolved to get on touch with old friends. But in the very cold light of today I am having 2nd thoughts.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

Hi Greyone I think many of us come to a point in our lives when we realise we 'may need' to be in contact with others, especially closer friends or relatives who for some reason we have not been in touch. Of course, it's easier not to make the effort and I am guilty of that myself and the gap becomes longer and longer until we're looking at years !

You could invite them to a video call, maybe a reunion type evening <3

What ever you do, we'll always be here for you Greyone.

Chloe<3