LIFE IN LOCKDOWN TWO
Life in lockdown 2 has to be a reset. We all know this general fact. There are many podcast interviews which explicitly explore the reset theory. I agree with this, each lockdown is different. How we reset our thinking is important.
We are in an all-inclusive crisis and I am also aware that anxiety supresses our thinking, so it’s best to activate positive system thinking. You can look to your Bible for Romans 8:28 or other ways to feel secure. Therefore, I feel this lockdown does not pose a great threat to myself. However, being alone is another issue. My challenge each day is to connect with my friends. I am thankful for Centennial Park for exercise relief. I like to help others less fortunate than myself. Whilst I have family, they are busy home schooling their children, so I am locked out of their lives. I do understand, but I could feel abandoned.
Urgent attention is required, especially this time, as we are in the wave of the Delta spread, a more serious spreadable variant than before. From experience, I feel it is important to listen to the daily news about what we should do, not as a joke but as vital information for our survival. There are many changes each day. Try listening, if you do not understand please seek help to understand the new daily rules for survival. Wearing your mask indoors and outdoors helps. I proved that last year when I was locked up in a cabin with no fresh air, and negative company from someone who was a covid-positive; that was survival.
Keep calm these days and follow instructions, knowing common sense works. Exercise, eat healthily, and engage in positiveness. I use these same tactics this time.
Last time, I learnt to be patient, tolerant, and that God does get us through these lockdowns if we help ourselves. He is there to encourage us. Or, if you ask for help in other areas, the universe will help. All you need to do is to let the universe know your plight.
My online Church and Connect Groups give generously to my mental health. To have strong faith and to be able to give out to others through prayer, generates warmth within my soul. However, I miss the closeness of being at my Church. In lockdown in Australia last year, I watched the Sunday UK TV program, “Songs of Praise,” which was uplifting.
Love is indispensable and if we believe we can be calm in our own space, we win. Loving yourself and restoring others’ happiness, is one of the greatest things to do.
Love and happiness are contagious. My aim this time, is to spread this evenly in the environment that surrounds me. I have been doing this willingly; how wonderful it is to receive a response back from those who look bewildered that someone would care. These people inspire me to continue giving. It only takes a smile, a nod, a hello, how are you!
In 2020 I was a miracle survivor on a potential death ship going around and around in the Mediterranean Sea, seemingly with no future. There are many differences in my experience this time. My book, “Church on a Death Ship” is a memoir of a personal miracle experience, during lockdown on a ship. How did I manage? You would need to read my book. But I will say this. I had to remain steadfast and buoyant throughout, to keep the calm; I found that reaching out to God (my protector and keeper) in prayer each day was key to surviving my double ordeal. My first lockdown was hell!
Dr Greta Archbold
Drgretaarchbold.com
“Church on a Death Ship” is available on Amazon.com.au, Berkelouw and Ariel Paddington Retail Stores.
