Stay Safe

In many senses this lockdown has been an unbelievably trying time for the whole world, bringing boredom, misery and in many cases anxiety amongst other mental health issues. But also, what it has given us, is the time to wipe our emotional windscreen that has been misty for a while and see just how much we've been taking life for granted. Losing many entities that have given us leisure, fun and freedom. Just a few would include the fun of splashing in refreshingly cold water in a swimming pool or the sea in the summer and allowing our skin to soak up the sun, or going out with your mates to sink a pint or many in your local boozer to the sound of your favourite tunes booming from the speakers while throwing darts or indulging in your pool table skills, or going out for a lovely dinner with your family or a more intimate meal with a date or the person you love. Although I would say the biggest is merely the freedom just to go outside outside and get a much needed lung-craving breath of fresh air. Many people who have been in lockdown have been unfortunately deprived of this, as many homes that people inhabit do not come with an outside space and the closest many people get aside from going out to the shops or a limited walk in the park, has been a window being pushed ajar. I would say this is a very small price to pay if it means more people on this earth will stay alive, but that doesn't stop the entire world looking forward to the days when we can dive headfirst into social life again. I would compare it to a goose having stepped out of it's habitat for a while for safety reasons, such as a dangerous predator invading their body of water. But once that predator has disappeared, that goose will be longing to return.

When I get out of lockdown my day will begin with a much needed jog in the morning to wake me up followed by returning home and having breakfast with my family and talking about some of the first things we're going to do. I will then meet in the park with one of my friends for a dog walk to talk about how the day is going to go and what we both have planned. Hopefully my plan and his will connect some how. Then depending on what the situation is with restaurants and other public places, me and my family may head out for a big celebratory lunch. Probably somewhere that has a taste we haven't been able to fulfillingly access since we've been in lockdown. The landlord of my local has asked me and a good friend of mine to do a gig in his pub to celebrate it's opening day. It would consist of originals and covers and plenty of celebratory energy to get everyone back on a sociable high to kick off our freedom once again with the familiar taste of draught beer, friendship and loud yet enjoyable music.

I'm not sure what will happen in months and years to come after lockdown ends, but I sincerely hope that it will make everyone in the world, especially the government, think long and hard about how much in life shouldn't be undermined or taken for granted. Furthermore the government should work hard to think about what changes they can practise to make life easier for everyone in the world, regarding the NHS, welfare of key workers, hospital accessibility, prices of housing, ways to help the homeless and many more. Other less vitle but still meaningful entities would include the decline of pubs, authentic independent restaurants, youth centres and other establishments. Personally, I've noticed an outbreak of exotic, less common animals in my city, due to the decrease in environmental damage that mainly came from transport fuel. What I would love to see if people being more caring about the environment we live in, because life is important but we need to make sure it's a safe place for all of us. Just like that Goose had to make sure her body of water was safe before she and her babies went back in. #stayathome has been a much needed slogan for these hard times but the main one we'll need not just now but forever more is #staysafe. I hope that together we can all do that.