Back at the start of January when I was at risk of falling in to a hole of lockdown induced apathy, I realised that I needed to plan what was possible for me to do, if I didn’t want to start losing my energy, motivation and general joy de vivre.
I am pleased to share that this has been going rather well.
I am currently on schedule for painting the entire house, yes wood work and all, by the end of February. At which point, I can focus on making small additions and tweaks here and there. I love the process of creating a warm and inviting space to live in, even if for now, it is only me, the cat and my support bubble who get to enjoy it!
In addition, my lifelong desire to write my first book is translating in to real sustained action!
Despite the odd flurry of snow or rain, I’ve still managed a near daily appointment with nature too.
And, I have been trying out various new recipes on the support bubble. The current hands down winner, is the jam doughnut muffin. Most dangerous.
All in all, I’ve been rather enjoying myself. Something that perhaps my refusal to spend much time listening to the news, has allowed me to sustain.
But by last week I was feeling rather tired and realised that it was time to book a holiday to break up the Christmas to Easter stretch.
I have now booked almost a week off.
A few people have jokingly asked where I am going!
At this point I am content enough to be in the newly decorated home minus any commitment to work. I also gain great enjoyment from exploring the surrounding areas by foot or bike so I can happily while away the days enjoying the freedom of uninterrupted time.
But, last night I happened to catch a part of the news where I heard it said that we may not be able to go away on holiday for the whole of this year.
WHAT?!
My ears tuned in.
What could this mean?
My heart sank a little. A problem of privilege in the grand scheme of things I realise.
But, holidays are important.
We all get worn down by the daily grind of life hence the importance of a change of scenery plus a break from daily responsibilities.
And now we are being told this may not be possible all year?
None of us know how things will pan out nor whether this vaccine will allow us to assume more freedom in reality.
And that sucks.
Whilst the approach of the warmer seasons will bring more appreciation than ever this year, a block on holidays is still a loss.
We will all need to be increasingly more imaginative in how we create novel, new ways of experiencing a sense of freedom and break from the norm.
In short, to rewrite what the term holiday means and looks like.