Life in serene captivity Ep.1

About the day when I was told to stay at home for a minimum of 12 weeks! For my own safety.

Bloody Hell! What now?!

No need for me to state the obvious here: the world is going through a blooming pandemic!

It all feels surreal, like taken out of a catastrophic parallel universe that none of us want to fully believe. Only 3 weeks ago, which feels like a lifetime ago, life was' normal'. And, by the way, I generally struggle with that word: normal. Who knows what the new normal will be in 6 months, in a year, in ten!

This pandemic couldn't have chosen a worse time in history to descend upon humanity: the time of utter misinformation, the rise of racism, intolerance and authoritarianism. The time when fake newsers, influencers and overnight corner experts are being listened to and believed (!) more than the real, scientific, evidenced thing! It's sad to see emerging so much badness... and not knowing how to counteract it.

The pandemic is real. No doubt about that!

Although some people consider it their job to distrust the facts and make others doubt as well... FFS! (please see d*ck heads filming empty car parks outside hospitals to prove the pandemic is a hoax!) As if we would treat people out in the parking lot or the waiting areas... FFS!

In the midst of it all, I need to be shielded from the virus. It's a mixed blessing, really... I live in a country that can afford and is willing to look after its vulnerable citizens, like me. So many other people around the world don't have this luxury!

I am fine, healthy (nearly), capable, skilled and eager to help!

I feel at least like Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel combined! Now Marvel and DC fans... don't get your knickers in a twist... it's fine to love two different powerful, iconic women at once even though they belong to separate casts. They belong to the people! Chill.

I was saying, I feel at least a superhero, I want to be part of this fight, don't isolate me at home, please! And how about all of my work NHS friends bracing themselves for the worst. I want to be there alongside them! Cheering them up, helping out, finding a silver lining to get me through this!

I mean, I know why I'm being shielded... I could get very sick if I catch this virus... I could die. Not ready for that! So much more to do in the world! My brain can't cope with that thought right now. We need to move on...

Let us explore some positives instead.

I can work from home. I can still help maintain the service, help other patients waiting to talk to someone about their problems. I can help develop guidelines and useful documents to help us work more efficiently when this is all over. I can plan and deliver teaching material for my colleagues. There's loads I can do.

I can wear casual clothes. Telephone consultations don't require a certain visual image to be maintained.

I can even have my hair down! And nail polish, if I'm naughty.

*gasps*

I can take loo breaks whenever I need them!

To Be Continued...