Stuck inside – the realization of what’s important

Self isolation has finally caught me!!! On my way back from London last week, I received a message from the NHS Track and Trace that I had come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. I was instructed to self isolate for 9 days. Great way to end my trip hey???

In my last post, A nurturing of relationships, I told you all about the wonderful relationships I have with my cousins here in the UK. Having just spent 5 days with them, to be told I now had to be stuck in my 4 walls for 9 days was a little bit of disappointment. Not to mention the panic that I may have passed on this horrid disease to their little ones. I was still very grateful for the time I got to spend with them but the news of self isolation did suck.

Immediately, I contacted them and let them know the story and the fact that they needed to check themselves out. I love how relaxed they are! There was no worry or panic in their voices, and they both said there was no reason to apologise as I didn’t know there was a potential issue at the time.

Can’t say being stuck in the house without being able to leave has been fun because it really hasn’t. However I have found a few things I can be grateful for throughout this annoying time.

• My mum – As you may have gathered, I am a very family orientated person and through this annoying isolation my mum has been an absolute trouper. Because we live together currently, she has had to isolate as well and hasn’t blamed me or been upset about it at any point.
• My phone and computer that have given me so much contact to the outside world. Much like last year, the only means of contact to the outside world has been through my phone. I have really come to appreciate that and cannot begin to tell you how stir crazy I would be if I didn’t have it (probably be talking to teddy bears and imaginary friends by now 🤣🤣).
• My darling friend Chloe – Honestly without Chloe, we wouldn’t have had any food the first few days. As soon as I told her partner, who coincidently is also my boss, that I had to isolate, she immediately messaged me and offered to get some groceries and help me out. We haven’t been friends for that long but she is hightailing up to being one of my closest friends. If you want to get to know her a little, check out her blog by clicking here. You will see how much of an amazing person she is.
• The beautiful flowers just outside the lounge window have brought a smile to my face every time I look at them. I spent 5 years living in places that don’t have a garden and I have to say, I didn’t realise how much joy flowers in the garden can bring. It has been a constant reminder throughout the last week that there is beauty in the world even when there is frustration and annoyance. All we have to do is stop once in a while to really appreciate it.
• Time – I am so grateful for the time this isolation has given me, to think and consider where I am at, what I want and to finish another module of my studies (which I got a distinction for, just a little toot of my own horn 😉🙌).
• My bosses – I don’t think I have ever had such amazing bosses. When I messaged to inform them I needed to isolate, they weren’t mad or annoyed and were more concerned with my health and wellbeing than the impact it had on their up and coming week. Honestly, I cannot be more grateful for the owners and the manager I work for.

I have really taken this time to think on the things that are important to me and the people I am so grateful to have in my life. When the going gets tough the people who are genuine are the ones that show themselves. What truly amazing people I have around me and the opportunities I have had to reflect on the small things.

Do you get much time to reflect on the small things and see what is important to you? What have you found out about yourself in these quiet, reflective times? I would suggest taking a short time often to just sit and enjoy the moment.

Life moves so quickly, we blink and so much is over. Because of this, I hope you manage to find a time every so often to pause and think about the things and people in your life that have made an impact on you. I use an app called Resilience which is based on the book The Resilience Project which encourages you to stop at the end of the day and say what you are grateful for that day. Definitely recommend downloading it. Time to stop and smell the roses.

Until next time…