We find ourselves in uncharted times at the moment and, let’s face it, not ideal for those of us who really gain something from attending our shed. For myself, the shed is about identity and feeling part of something worthwhile since I have been side lined through ill health. No matter what your reason is, and I can imagine there are many different reasons, simply missing this time can be difficult.
So, what can we do during this time? Our shed has been pretty proactive and set up a buddy system for those people who wanted to stay in touch; a system that pairs up individuals with a number of shedders and touches base a couple of times a week or more, depending on the individual. The shed wanted to ensure no one felt isolated, they didn’t want to simply rely on a text message or ‘What’s App’ conversation as for some they are not seen to be true forms of communication with no real human contact. A good old ‘chin wag’ is the best way to go. Now we have some amazing story tellers and some great conversationalists so luckily we are now in an era of free phone calls otherwise it could get expensive; the feedback we have received has been excellent, however what about those individuals who will still continue to find this time difficult?
Well for me it’s about staying active both in mind and physically and Yes that might mean that the list of jobs wives, girlfriends and housemates have left us previously that we stored under ‘B’ for BIN may well be a great way to keep us active, but think of it this way, what about the brownie points we can gain! A chance to really earn some points in order to cash later. Mind you by the time this has all finished these points may have well been forgotten.
Personally, I am enjoying being more active with my daughter and family and I don’t think we have spoken so much in all the time we have been together. Not quite
managed to finish all my jobs but I have signed up for an online course that I am hoping to start in the next few days something, I had been meaning to do. We need to keep the old grey matter active by whatever means we can.
Schooling my daughter has also meant that I have some focus and even though I say so myself it’s going pretty well. One interesting thing I read with Maisie that resonated with me on a number of points was a book called ‘Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr Seuss. I never thought that a children’s book could relate to the current situation we are in and also to different trials and tribulations we all encounter.
Basically, the story primes readers against all the little mishaps and misadventures that can befall even the best of us. It’s well worth a read as it also encourages us to take life in our stride. Reading the book got me thinking about the message Dr Seuss was trying to portray and how this can be attributed to the current situation and life in general.
The message was about the importance of seizing new opportunities, keeping an open-mind and trying new things, all of which currently is a away to navigate through the current situation. I for one have certainly learned that life is one big adventure, jam packed with unexpected twists and turns.
To conclude, I think it’s a great opportunity to learn new things and use the opportunity to take stock of where we are going and how when this lockdown is lifted, we will continue with our lives. Let’s look at this with a positive perspective.