Dear Corona

Now I've never been one to relax. My 20's have been a blur of playing hard, working harder, and pretty much cramming plans into my every breathing minute. I really needed a global pandemic to slow me the f*** down.

Over a year ago I invited some friends over for dinner.. little did I realise this would the the last time I would feel 'normal' for a long, long time. I started my day trawling through recipes, finally settling on a paneer korma which averaged around 1000 ingredients. After putting in some real elbow grease into cleaning my former flat, I headed out to the absolute bedlam of Rye Lane in Peckham, deciding to skip breakfast and most likely any water. By the time i got back home, safe to say I was suitably shattered and starving, with horrifically heavy shopping bags hanging from my rather small arms. I started to feel disorientated and dizzy, with an almost crushing feeling on top of my head and shoulders...

But then.. lockdown started. Finally an opportunity to take some time for ourselves. It was although the world was forcing us all against our will to simply stop. An opportunity to spend more time with loved ones (virus permitting of course), exercise more, eat better, drink less (or more - no judgement here), and focus on doing something we love, or simply never had the time to try. It gave me the chance to get back in to education, deciding to study for a masters was one of the best choices I've ever made - it put me back on a path I'm passionate about.

I felt inspired to write 'Dear Corona' to highlight the positive impact of a very negative time. This has been published in the Slaminutes Anthology which is raising funds for 'Mind,' a mental health charity. I Couldn't think of anywhere more suited to share my words to.

Please do feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat, or need any advice about any of the above.

Dear Corona, You’ve taken my job, my home, my social life, and my reason to be in London. The fate of my grandmother’s companion rests in your unforgiving clutches. You’ve taken the lives of many, and brought difficulties to all. For that reason we are not friends.

But, with a stubborn head and more stubborn heart, I hold you as an acquaintance. Someone who has brought positivity amongst chaos - and for that reason, I want to thank you. Thank you for helping me rediscover the countryside.

Thank you for giving me the chance to see green fields and hills again, to bathe in blue skies and meadows of flowers.

Thank you for giving me the time to listen to my body, to figure out what has been wrong for so many months.

Thank you for giving me the time to connect with family, and by time, I mean more than a precious few days, which after a few glasses of wine, is already over.

Thank you for giving me the time to write, the time to read, the time to sit and do absolutely nothing but listen to the sounds of birds and feel the sun on my face.

Thank you for just giving time.