July Letter from the Editor

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Welcome to the July issue (just)! Our blog contributors have free rein this month so no set theme. You’ll find a real variety and something for everyone. It’s worth checking back over the next few days as new blog posts will be added.
 
School is out for summer (not that it was really in this year)! Shielding officially finishes tomorrow (1st August). There’s a whole tidal wave of relief sweeping across the nation. Hmm, is it relief though? Relief with pockets or caverns of anxiety, fear and maybe apprehension.
 
At the beginning of lockdown and shielding, I remember feeling trapped and I felt like my independence had been whipped away. I remember escaping to a local supermarket after the first three weeks because I just HAD to get out. I really wasn’t missing anything. I had convinced myself that I wasn’t going to be able to stay in for 12 weeks and then they extended it! I did manage it though. Ok, more or less as I have sneaked out a couple of times over the last fortnight.
 
Why? Why not just wait it out because I had come so far? It was planned really. A part of my phased return to ‘regular’ life. I had all but convinced myself that because I had been doing the Rapunzel thing locked away (still waiting for Prince T’Challa aka Black Panther to come rescue me – I’m funny like that – I tend to really like movie characters rather than the movies stars themselves – well it’s fun to imagine). Where was I? Oh yes, locked away. I was convinced that when I was allowed to go back out into the real world, I would have an overload of social anxiety and panic attacks. What if I freaked out in line at Tesco? What if someone spoke to me and I couldn’t string a sentence together?
 
That last point is quite valid actually. Due to the reduction in conversing with others, I have been struggling to find my words – more than usual! So, this was the reasoning behind my phased return. It did go ok. I kept it simple. A trip to collect an online order from a shop, paying a visit to Sainsbury’s at a quiet time but just to pick up a few items that I knew exactly where to find in the store and getting a delicious flat white from my favourite coffee shop (Divine Coffee House, Sherwood). And not forgetting collecting an order from Clemie’s Vegan Cakes – yum!
 
Life isn’t the same as when I first went into shielding. I had to familiarise myself with the new rules (again and again). I forgot my face mask the first time and had to go back for it. I had fun choosing and buying a face mask actually. I didn’t buy a different one for every day of the week because I am not planning to go out every day of the week. Why not? After so much time inside? The COVID 19 virus has not gone away! We still need to be vigilant and sensible.
 
My lockdown and shielding were well supported by a great group of family and friends; garden visits, shopping, video calls. I also benefitted from businesses like Sweet Vibes Baker, Veganitis and Vegan Junk who did deliveries. So much appreciated, thank you. Can you believe I only did my first Zoom quiz yesterday? I didn’t win by the way (you know who you are), but I did win my works quiz at the end of term. Admittedly it was because I doubled my points by answering the bonus question. What is the main alcoholic ingredient in a Margherita? Do you know the answer? Now I’m worried my colleagues think I’m an alcoholic! An occasional G and T doesn’t class you as an alcoholic…
 
So, to conclude, I wanted to share some pointers with you:
 
Tips for if we have to go into lockdown/shielding again:

• Drive your car! Even if it’s around the block. At the very least start the engine and release the handbrake. If you don’t you might end up with a dead battery and a stuck handbrake. Check tyre pressure too.
• Don’t stockpile – greedy!
• Maintain some kind of routine. Even if you don’t stick to regimented times for activities, try to incorporate some regularity into your weekly routine.
• Ask for help if you need it – people are exceptionally compassionate right now (you’d think it was Christmas).
• Don’t feel guilty about box set bingeing – you gotta do what you gotta do…

 
Tips for emerging from lockdown/shielding

• Remember your face mask!
• Plan your first few excursions. Know exactly where you’re going and keep it simple. A trip to your local shop for a packet of crisps is enough.
• Don’t try to kid yourself that life is back to normal. Social distancing please.
• Keep doing your lock down activities. Many of you will have benefitted from the abundance of online activities. Fitness professionals have invested a lot of time, effort and resources into providing classes. Keep supporting them if you can. Don’t forget about the small businesses either.
• You can still smile when wearing a face mask!

 
Keep safe and well!
 
In gratitude
​Wakanda forever!
Sarah

P.s.
If you read this in time Caroline Inspired will be hosting Wellness Wednesday (5th August) over on her IG live (IG Carolineinspired)
Sweet Vibes Baker will be hosting a bank holiday weekend picnic - limited spaces available. IG Sweetvibes_baker

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!
​https://vanyaland.com/2018/06/18/tchalla-returns-black-panther-at-the-mfa/