VENTURING OUT

Yesterday was the day it felt like everyone in the UK had be waiting for.

HAPPY PUB DAY!

HAPPY HAIRCUT DAY!

HAPPY GYM DAY!

and even

HAPPY PRIMARK DAY!

Over the weekend, bars restaurants, salons and retail have been working hard to get ready for the Friday-est Monday on record!

Doors opened, the sun was out, and many breathed a sigh of relief that a hint of normality had been restored.

Undeterred by the cold air people ventured out to pub beer gardens thirsty for a pint they hadn't poured themselves.

I was not one of the many that celebrated the new freedoms yesterday. Aside from working Monday to Friday 9-5 and places being booked up well in advance, I didn't want to go out into the world just yet. Anticipating it would be super busy and it would make me anxious.

As a video made the rounds on Instagram of the queue for Primark in Liverpool, I knew I had made the right decision in staying at home. After months of my close-knit bubble and very little human contact, that many people out and about would have been overwhelming.

While I am probably going to re- enter society with trepidation, those around me may be desperate for things to be as normal as possible as soon as possible. Today I find myself conflicted, I have seen the smiles return to people's faces as they sit in a beer garden wrapped up warm, a pint in hand surrounded by friends. I have seen before and after pictures of people finally getting their lockdown mops chopped and feeling like themselves again. I have seen makeup artists over the moon that they get to go back to doing what they love after such a long time away.

I have seen so much joy shared on social media in the last 24 hours it’s hard not to get excited that the things we love might be back for good. However, I cannot help but feel nervous, anxious and afraid when thinking of venturing back into the world.

I have felt safe in my reclusive bubble, I have felt sure I am doing what I can to protect those around me still waiting for a vaccine. (myself included)

I am conflicted as I am desperate to get out, see my friends, enjoy a pint and dance like no one is watching but at the same time I am scared. Lockdown whilst being on the whole bloody awful has, in a way, handed the power to me when protecting those I love. As things open up and one by one restrictions are reduced it is one more step into the unknown as that power is taken away again and the safety of others is back in the hands of something I cannot control.

Anyone who knows me will know I struggle with things I cannot control.

I don't say any of this to scare anyone or make anyone feel guilty for embracing their newfound freedom. I say this to show that everyone's reaction to change is different. Some welcome it with open arms and some are suspicious. At the moment I am currently that awkward one-armed hug you have with a friend of a friend at a birthday party because you haven't quite sussed them out yet.

It might take me a little while to embrace the New 'new normal’, but I will get there. in the meantime, I ask as so many others will to be kind to each other and respect the boundaries others have set for themselves. If your friends don't want to go out just yet give them time. If your friends want to do everything they are allowed to all at once, let them. We have to give each other space to deal with the past year however we see fit and support each other along the way. It has been a LOOOONNNNNNGG year.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end ... see you out there.