Hello Dear Friends
For those of us of a “certain age” (don’t ask me what that means, because as far as I’m concerned any and every age is a “certain” age!! Lol), we’ve enjoyed many decades that became enriched following the Second World War, by way of better housing, more choices as far as food and clothing are concerned; better transport, in fact being able to buy our own car, better and faster access to going to the Dr, the supply of medications, the ability to travel extensively, being able to regularly go to a restaurant for a special meal, the opportunity of education whether it be by attending mature-age university or by learning on the job, the technological age that permitted us to have our very own personal computer and then electronic devices, and the list goes on.
Yet now in 2020, with each day, in fact almost hour by hour, we find more things to upset us; to cause us inconvenience; to make us anxious and stressed. We learn there are more things to confront.
For nothing has prepared us for this dreadful Covid 19 and its horrendous journey throughout the world and for those who say it’s not serious are denying reality. The government here in Victoria (Australia) is bringing in even more stringent measures in its endeavour to control the rapid spread of this virus through social physical interaction; casinos, hotels, sporting events, gyms, coffee shops, restaurants, concerts, art galleries, theatres, cinemas, churches are having to close. Warnings of social distancing have been rejected by thousands of people, who take the attitude its not serious and therefore doesn’t affect them. The common laws of good manners and common sense have been foolishly scorned. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost, as well as small businesses going to the wall. Not to mention large businesses.
Unfortunately it affects us all. And it's important that we, as intelligent, sensible human beings, take into account that each one of us is as important as the other. Caring and sharing has become a symbol of “charity” (good-will and kindness) to its highest level of meaning amongst many people in our communities. Young people are volunteering in droves to deliver food parcels where homelessness and poverty prevent people from buying essential foods. Each day brings “positive” stories of individuals who have decided to make a stand, and to do things for other people, without thought of recompense.
I made a conscious decision more than a fortnight ago to semi-self-isolate. For someone who has always enjoyed my own space, and not needing other people to provide my “entertainment”, it has been quite enlightening to me to realise what semi-self-isolation actually means. Especially for those who “need” face-to-face interaction with other people. I cannot comprehend their feelings of loss. Yet, I thank God for my one small room which I call my sanctuary - my “Serendipity Sanctuary”!
So, finding my options were (1) watching TV, which I haven’t done for quite some time with the exception of the evening news each day; (2) reading and I’ve begun to read some of my old favourite authors again; (3) and apart from vacuuming my room, tidying up and dusting, doing a little bit of simple cooking, it has become clear I have the opportunity of seeking other means of keeping myself occupied in meaningful and worthwhile endeavours. I am lost for things to do! Although I have found I’m increasing my contact with friends, some whom I’ve not spoken with for years, by telephone, and now by “ messenger” via my iPhone The sound of another human voice and a voice we know, brings so much pleasure and costs nothing. Oh yes, I’m playing music far more often that I’ve done over the past few years. There’s no doubt that music soothes the soul.
I am most fortunate in having my computer. I can sit and write. I can sit and learn. I can sit and think. And boy, do I think a lot? (As most of you know!!) I’ve decided that “semi-self-isolation” is in fact “solitude”. Solitude is not loneliness. It is more a “place of calm and peace”, whereby our well-being can become:
(a) refreshed
(b) reinvigorated
(c) revitalised
(d) renewed
(e) revived, and
(f) restored.
With that achieved, we are well armed to provide helpfulness through kind and loving words and encouragement; a listening ear to those who are going through problems that beset them; and a heart that is open to those who need a friend.
Women of all ages, since the beginning of time as we know it, have been resilient, adapting to the changing world around us. Going without - in order that families and neighbours were fed; in order that children were clothed and educated; in order that elders were cared for; in order that others were thought of and looked after.
Women have had to fight for the privilege of education (and I’m not only speaking of the 20th century, but earlier.) Women had to fight draconian working conditions in mills and workshops as the industrial age came along, not to mention the backbreaking work in the coal and tin mines, Women had to fight for acceptance to become doctors and teachers, and then typists and secretaries. Women have had to fight discrimination throughout all facets of every-day life. Women have had to face hardship, poverty, domestic abuse, and sadly many still do.
But all in all, as life-style things improved for women, we began to take things for granted in so many ways. This situation that now confronts us is a “wake-up” call, that things are not as they seem or as we recall just months ago. We can’t assume that life will continue in that way, after this virus has passed away. We have to grapple with a new reality and a fight against an unseen and remorseless foe.
Yet women are born fighters! And while we are facing and coping with this Covid 19, if we look beyond our own needs, and share with others their needs, we will all be victors! And our men need us too. To provide the strength and toughness of spirit that we can provide them as they also battle with the insecurity and uncertainty presently confronting us.
Because women have always had the ability to look beyond what is NOW. For “now” soon becomes “then.”
Take care my friends and express love to one another in simple ways. God bless you all - without exceptions. We need each other more now than history can recall.
Fondest regards
🌹🌹🌹
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