This year has been a very hard one. On everybody.
Around the world. We all have experienced trauma in one way or another – loved ones
have lost jobs, people have lost their homes, people have been without food. To
a lesser extent people haven’t had full salaries, or have benefits suspended. We
have not had access to family members who don’t live with us, the borders have
been closed limiting our access to loved ones far away.
But we have all experienced fear – of an unknown enemy – a faceless one – we weren’t
sure if we would see family members again, or if we would be returning to a
society we even recognised! Would we be hospitalised? Would we contract the
virus? Would we be able to access hospital facilities should we need them? what
would happen to people with no medical aid?
And so we have emerged. Exhausted. Uncertain.
Untrusting. Is it a hoax? Will our freedom once more be taken away? Must we
stockpile toilet paper?
And this has left us all pouring from an empty
cup. A cup that once was full of optimism and life and joy and excitement. Where
we were on top of schedules and appointments and wore pants to work! Where we
had face to face interactions with clients and suppliers, and could go to a
sports game, or gather at a wedding, or watch a concert to fill our cups and
feed off the energy of others, to having that wrenched away.
If we do not, therefore, look after
ourselves and refill our cups in whatever form, how can we ever again give to
those around us? If we do not pray, or meditate, or spend some time in nature? If
we neglect ourselves, and plough along into work, scrambling to make up the
lost revenue, without so much as a backward glance at our reflections. If we
rush to fill the gaping holes left by friends and family we cannot get too
close to, and do not choose quiet and calm and relaxation, how will we be able
to love them as hard again?
So no, in 2020, as in EVERY YEAR, self care
is not self indulgence. But in 2020, it is a necessity. Or we will not make
2021. Care for yourselves. Put on your own lifejacket before putting on those
around you. But remember to be kind to one another.
