This lockdown is forcing a reset for the planet.

[XingMing]

Where we are, it's rural, beautiful and in fine weather (after six months of rain) this lockdown seems like an opportunity rather than a penance. It's spring, we are gardening. The air is fresher, the sky is clearer, emissions are down across the planet. It's not exciting, but it is an interlude to enjoy family life before DS leaves home for university and starting his career. It's a very special time and I shall treasure the memory of this month. Am I alone in making the most of the moment? (We have aged parents to worry about too but as they are well into their 80s, I know they are not bothered about getting the telegram from the Palace.)

I'm having up and down days if I'm honest. Some days im positive and enjoy my days in house doing all manner of different enriching things with me and my kids and other days i feel doomed I'm going to catch this thing just from buying milk

I think you are a complete lunatic

On the contrary, her mental health is in the top 1% round here.

I am also noticing positives of the lockdown. The earth feels calmer. I can hear bird song like never before presumably because traffic background noise is lower than ever before. I'm spending more time time with pets and DH. I'm getting more work done. The roads are quieter for those that cannot work from home. I'm also feeling stressed about job security, our finances and getting ill but I can definitely see the silver linings and hope that this is a wake up call for enough people to make a significant difference to how we all live once this pandemic is over.

Treasuring the memory? This is so insensitive - having a nice time because there's a deadly worldwide virus killing people, causing worldwide economical breakdown

Yay!!

I'm with you op.

I am high risk - in fact I am currently in isolation waiting for test results. I am terrified.

But really I think this virus is coming with a huge message - slow down, remember what's important.

I am trying to relish the experience. Yes it doesn't change the appalling things that are happening / going to happen. But all we can control is how we behave (follow the rules entirely) and how we react. I am being patient, curious and optimistic.

- having a nice time because there's a deadly worldwide virus killing people, causing worldwide economical breakdown

Why shouldn't she have a nice time?

Sitting around being miserable won't actually
stop the virus or the economic problems - you know that, right?

I don't know if I'm imagining it, or there really is less pollution in the sky (or maybe just because of the sudden weather change), but the stars seemed loads brighter the other night as I was putting the recycling out. So I grabbed a blanket and sat on the bench in my garden with a cup of tea. It was lovely. Would definitely recommend it.

No, I thought that too. I'm from a dark skies area originally, and it does make me a bit miserable to look at the night sky in the city. But for the first time since I've lived here, I've seen stars that were just never visible before. I live near one of the most polluted high streets in Britain, if not the EU, so it's a change I welcome.

As for the rest - well, to be honest, I've felt on the edge of burnout for a few weeks now. Coming up to lockdown, I kept saying to my husband, 'God, I just need this as a break'. To the point of obsessive repetition.

I was suffering stress-related migraines, palpitations, my diet and general exercise were suffering (threatening a hard lost six stone and my overall health).

Now - yes, I'm concerned for some friends, but for now, I can work from home, I can get on top of the things that were dragging me down, I am automatically removed from stressful situations, my migraines have gone, my diet's back on.

@XingMing I'm with you. Before all this my life was a blur. Both myself and my DH are frontline workers, working full time shifts and have a 4 and 6 year old too. I'm life was work, house work, school work, extra curricular activities, gym etc. It was never ending and relentless. I know that's like a lot of modern lives. But I've just had 4 days off with my DCs and we've stayed home, read, made a den, cooked food and snuggled. Bliss! I've enjoyed it so much no expectations to go out and do stuff. I'm back in work tomorrow and the kids will be going to school. I want to stay home with them but can't. At the moment we are all fit and healthy but for how long I don't know.
People unless you absolutely need to go out don't and I do not class exercise as necessity do Joe Wicks!

Good for you.
Not so good for key workers like myself going to work in a&e and risking bringing it back to my family in our small flat with no outdoor space.
But good for you

@jilodifn if you read my post both me and my DH are frontline workers in the emergency services. We think everyday that we might bring it back to our children but that is a decision we have made. But instead of hand wringing and doomsaying I'm looking at the positives. More quiet time with my family. I don't mean to sound flippant but open a window, do exercise. Use each room for a treasure hunt or just sit and watch a movie.

Good morning. I don't want to be the OP who starts a fight and runs.

Thank you to everyone who has been supportive of my reason for posting and who has had any opportunity to stand and enjoy the peace with me. We're self-isolating as a family because DP is at risk.

To anyone that I have angered or upset, that wasn't my intention. I know that I am fortunate to be here rather than in London or New York where I lived and worked when younger. I shared a small private pleasure hoping others might enjoy some respite from the anxiety and stress caused by rolling news.

I know people are frightened and putting their lives at risk to help others, especially those working in supermarkets who get paid so little and face hundreds of scared, angry and frustrated shoppers every hour... my sister is one. My sister-in-law is a GP receptionist. Patients abuse her verbally everyday in ordinary times. Fear makes people behave badly.

Op, I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes we need to focus on the little reasons that are the reasons we are living for.
It's my stillborn twins funeral today, which is so small it's barely recognisable thanks to lockdown. I can't go to support groups or have friends over to comfort me. My husband is a farmer and is working every hour to make up for the wet weather and neglect whilst we were in hospital.
Despite this, I can sit and appreciate the sunshine & daffodils. The quietness of the usually very busy roads (apart from idiots who now use them as racetracks). Time with my son who would normally be in nursery. Avoiding Tesco and making do with what's in, using the freezer contents and shopping local.
I'm pleased you are enjoying your son @xingming We should all appreciate what we have got whilst we can x

OP just wanted to say sorry for my post yesterday, I went too far - we all need to stay tolerant and kind. Thanks for updating and stay safe.

Well you tried your best @OP but you must know that any type of privilege is heavily frowned upon on MN. You must eschew all and any privilege and grimly stick pins in your knee caps as penance. I have managed to find lots of silver linings in this very dark cloud. I am working my way through my reading wish list on Amazon and enjoying planning and preparing more elaborate meals than normal. Yesterday I helped DD re arrange and spring clean her room which felt very therapeutic and today we're going to do a YouTube Pilates class together. I've just treated myself to a stunning Erhman tapestry kit which I've hung my nose over for months. And for anyone who wants to go at me for sounding privileged just to let you know I am currently being treated for breast cancer so if I can take pleasure in little things then it's all good x

Oh @Kiki275. I have no words. So sorry 💐

I can't believe how this thread went OP, thank you very much for starting it.
Some people can't see further than capitalism, or can't read that You too have lost your livelihood.
But of course everyone is so selfish "whataboutmeery" or can't read.
I'm enjoying the nice weather, clear skies and time with my family, even though we have lost everything and hoping for a gov bailout of 80% of wage, which comes out about £1 per month.
But I'm alive, I woke up this morning and am very grateful.

Kiki
My sincerest condolences, i can't imagine what you are going through.

i find it hard to find a silver lining.
I have no idea when I will see my disabled daughter again.
(care home in lockdown)
but glad some are enjoying it.......

It's shit. Really shit.

I've lost my job, my dad's lost his job (both self-employed.)
DP is out of the house from early morning till evening with the TA awaiting to be mobilised.

DD is climbing the walls and can't understand why she isn't allowed to see her friends, or go for McDonalds, or go to soft play/park/library and it's not easy to explain to a small child.

We're facing financial ruin and have found out the so called 'support package' in place for the self-employed won't be available till May at the earliest; I guess we're supposed to pay bills/rent/food on fresh air in the mean time.

It's stressful, shit, suffocating, terrifying. YABU.

In response to PPs as much as OP, yes, they are hard times. I haven't set foot off my property for two days and when I did, the 'Closed until further notice' signs and unusual silence in our village were surreal and discomfiting. I'm worried about friends and relatives in the vulnerable groups, not to mention the economic impact of this, am spending hours and hours on the end of an email account pacifying panicking students and trying to teach them as best I can online, all the while trying to home educate and entertain DC. In the meantime, healthy 20 and 30 year olds are fighting for their lives on ventilators and the rest of us are left praying that next time it won't be us.

I get that it's a bucket of shit. But I agree with PP, that for the sake of my own mental health I HAVE to find some beauty and pleasures in life. The bird song without any traffic noise from the distant A road is exquisite. The spring weather and flowers are lovely. I take 10 minute breathers to walk around my garden, making plans as to where to put a pond, fire-pit fixture, curved bench around the huge tree standing near my front fence, and just watch the spring flowers I've planted come up. I go outside every evening just to watch the beauty of the sunset from the vantage point of my garden swing. I'm eagerly awaiting the return of the swallows and swifts. And yes, I'm lucky and privileged that all this is possible without even going off my own front drive.

Mental health is really important too, and if this goes on for too long cabin fever will set in quickly enough. Why not take pleasure in the simple things still available to us? (Come Friday if the weather's still good I'll be out for the sunset with a glass of wine)!

Agree, sadly, that it will take a lot more than Corona virus to fix the state of the planet. But right now I'm just trying to focus on the positives of today.

@Kiki275, I am so, so sorry

The planet is having some respite from us, and can work on cleaning itself.

@Kiki275. Along with everyone else here, I would like to send sympathy and stand at your side during the funeral. Because you are not allowed a congregation to share your grief and comfort you in real life, it doesn't mean we cannot be with you in spirit.

@Kiki275 My heart is with you. I send you all the love and strength I have.
Standing by your side

@Kiki275

Thank you everyone 🥰
Sorry to derail your thread a bit @xingming, I just hope everyone can still appreciate the beauty of a daffodil despite these truly shite times x