Did you ever think you'd be living through a pandemic? Working at home?  On furlough?  Not being able to see your extended family members and friends due to quarantine, lock down or flattening the curve measures? Social-distancing was never a thing but now it needs no explanation.  What has been interesting is the resilience of many people to find ways around isolation to connect with others.  We are created to be social beings and the proof lies in the responses people have made to a new reality of Covid-19 until the emergence of a vaccine or herd immunity. With more time at home, no commutes, and the rise of Zoom and other virtual platforms, people have found numerous ways to live a new normal for now. Having a drink with friends or having a Netflix party are all new ways to enjoy ourselves while remaining at home.

What have you done?  How have you been handling things?  Do you feel grounded and confident that you will get through this?  Does your heart sometimes skip a beat as you watch some news coverage on Covid-19?  Does a little bit of you like the quietness on the streets?  Does a part of you kind of love being at home and wonder if there is a way to continue some of this novel lifestyle in a post-pandemic world? Do you find yourself asking when will it all end?  Will life ever be the same again?  Could I maybe work from home part-time in the future? These questions are some of the many swirling ones in our heads.  We all have our articulated hopes and our secret hopes. So what is the fuel of our questions as live through these strange times?  Generally, it is the knowing that we are okay right now and things can be better in the future.

We can change our thoughts from all or nothing thinking, from catastrophic ideas by remembering what 'is' good right now. Cognitive behaviour therapy and working with a psychologist could help put our thoughts and questions into new light. A fresh brewed coffee, getting out in fresh air, a walk or a chat with someone can help too.  A variety of perspectives and ones that you trust can help resource you through these times.  The fact is that you are alive.  You have lived to see this day.  You have much to offer those around you who would love to hear from you, love to watch a movie with you, love to have a drink with you. You have a spirit that can enliven you to embrace this reality, to live this story, to be part of the history of the future.  You are indeed 'living' in strange times.