March 20th 2020. My 50th birthday. It was a day I hugged my friends and waived them goodbye after a week of walking, hot-tubbing, prosecco and general celebrations in Coniston, one of my favourite go to places in the Lakes.
It was the last I would see of some of them for some considerable time. We all knew we were returning to a strange new world as we emerged from the strange little bubble we’d been in. 12 people, 1 house. Hubby and I returned to find we couldn’t buy meat or flour, fortunately we have a well stocked freezer. Oh and Boris Johnson shut the pubs that night.
Over 5 months have passed since then and we live in a different world. One where I can now see friends, perhaps over a coffee, but we have to sanitise constantly and strictly no hugs. We can eat out again, but only if we leave our contact details and whilst shopping is OK, we have to mask up and can’t browse without touching. Hubby and I are trying to rebuild broken businesses. It’s a new way of living and one that’s possibly here to stay for a while. And I’m still a little scared to visit the supermarket.
words and pictures copyright Carolyn Trafford 2020
We all handle change in different ways. Change is inevitable whether we are dealing with a big scary virus or not, but it is how we deal with it that matters. We can retreat to to our shell like a snail and stay there until we think its over or we can embrace it, accept it and look for ways to deal with it.
I know the latter option appears the more difficult, however we’re here for the long game and hiding can be the more painful choice. And I know its easy for me to say, because it is. I’ve studied change and the impact on people so I understand it. I’ve also faced change, hidden from it, avoided it and embraced it, so I know what you’re going through.
I am still offering coaching, via Zoom or telephone and we can focus on coping strategies if you want. I have also added my book, “Don’t Just Dream It – Achieve It!” to my online shop. It is a fantastic resource and will support a coaching programme or can be used on its own to help work through goal setting, confidence and in turn to build resilience.
Contact me for more info: 07714 216388
2 Responses
Great read and thank you for your encouraging words. Needed to hear those today, thank you.
Alyson – sorry I missed this comment – I’m so lovely to get positive feedback like this – I’m glad to have helped.