Kat Meldrum’s Story
Self Isolation during Covid-19
I suppose we are fortunate than most during these weird times of lockdown during the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. Despite a few early mis-steps, the Australian Government have been handling minimising the impact of the pandemic fairly well, with the federal and state governments fairly much in agreement as well as consulting with and listening to medical experts. We started 2020 with wide-spread bushfires across the nation with lives and homes lost. During that time, those with lung conditions were confined indoors as thick smoke enveloped large areas. Little did we know that was just practice for a much longer period of mandated lock down, once again isolated inside our homes.
Living with chronic illness I’ve learned to be careful with my health and I do my best to avoid exposure to germs. So I spend more time at home than most. Subsequently the thought of spending time at home in order to protect my health and my son’s health is not as overwhelming as others seem to be feeling about it. However my anxiety is perpetually high at the thought of me or my son, who has CPA, falling ill. I’m a germophobe. For years I’ve been counselled that my fears are unrealistic and I need to consider the prospect of falling ill more realistically, that is not as likely as I imagine. To wake up one day and realise my worst fears have come to reality has elevated my anxiety extraordinarily. I admit I have become pre-occupied with my anxious thoughts and what is going to become of this pandemic.
Yesterday an enlightening thing happened. I was chatting on the support group. I’ve been finding this a calming activity, perhaps because I am craving the company of others, perhaps because I don’t feel different amongst others experiencing health issues and being concerned regarding their health, perhaps because we’re all doing our best to support and encourage each other, perhaps because there’s the occasional light-hearted post, perhaps because we are all seeking factual helpful information and not getting caught up in or enraged by media hype. Someone mentioned their garden then shared a video of their delightful backyard pond, which started a discussion about others’ yards or yard substitutes. I realised how fortunate we were in regards to our location and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. My son and I amicably share our space with our loving and entertaining cat Scarlet. We might only live in a small two bedroom unit but it has everything we need and a good-sized balcony on which to relax and breathe fresh air and catch some filtered sunlight. We have food and access to online shopping and home delivery. We are living inside our self-imposed home isolation bubble, which is keeping us away from direct contact with any Coronavirus exposure. So we might be here for a while, months in fact, but we can handle that if the alternative is falling ill with a potentially deadly virus.
Our location has its positives. When we moved in here we were overwhelmed with how new and functional our unit is, like a holiday unit I kept saying. We overlook the backyards of two of our neighbours – we get to enjoy the view without having to do the mowing or gardening. We have a good-sized balcony which we have made fairly private. Our cat entertains herself on our balcony – climbing the shade cloth, watching birds, lying in the filtered sunlight and rolling on the concrete, snuggling on the cushions of our outdoor seats when we stand up and leave a nice warm spot for her, occasionally leaping onto a bird shadow on the shade cloth thinking she’s caught a bird, sleeping on the table or the top of the cupboard or on the shelves or in one of her many boxes. Our home is cosy and comfortable.
Like everyone I am deeply appreciative of the dedication of our healthcare workers and the sacrifices they are making on our behalf!! I am appreciative of all those who are going to work everyday so that people like us are able to stay in the safety of our homes to protect ourselves.
So every day I’m going to take the time to appreciate our blessings, take time to sit and enjoy the view from our balcony, delight in the exploits of our cat and enjoy patting her as much as she enjoys being patted, savour the food we are fortunate to have in our pantry and fridge, listen to my favourite records, re-read my favourite book, finish knitting that scarf, start on the craft packs I have in my cupboard, chat with others in the support group, enjoy having this rare opportunity to enjoy tasks and activities around our home without other time constraints restricting my ability to do so. Really appreciate, not focus so much on the what-ifs. And remember the adage “Worrying won’t stop the bad stuff from happening, it just stops you from enjoying the good”.
