The nights are drawing in, the weather is closing in, and we are all, well, staying in. Lockdown mkII seems an extra struggle now that winter is here.
I have friends who are struggling. Really struggling with the isolation and monotony of the situation. One friend has found that structuring the day and getting regular exercise has helped. We have one friend who lives alone who has formed a support bubble with us, so at least I can keep an eye on him (whether he likes it or not!).
One thing that has knocked me for six this week is the news that one of my school / college friends has died. I am incredibly fortunate to have not lost any friends the same age as me before, so this feels like a horrible milestone. I am absolutely devastated for his close friends, family and children. Especially upsetting is the fact that 2020 (aka, the shitshow) was his last experience on this earth. When something like this happens, it really makes you think. For me, those thoughts are “where the hell have the last 20 years gone?!” Martyn and I sneaking out of Home Ec A-Level for ciggie, or dicking about for the entire lesson seems like yesterday.
Not that the last 20 years have not been eventful or fruitful, but they seem to have just flashed by! Friends have come and gone, and my priorities have changed, but I don’t feel any older (until I look in the mirror!).
The clichéd phrases like “live in the moment” or “seize the day” always feel a bit nobby, but we really should. We don’t know what is around the corner, but that should not change what we do now. So if you have a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while, give them a text, or a call. Today.
One year: No booze, no takeaways 