Thanks missep 123 and Gems.

It is a funny thing but now I have been put in a position to rest and sleep it has freed me in a way almost like giving me permission just to be and all of a sudden I feel so mentally and physically whacked. Most of my weekend has been with my feet up......I am not good at sitting still for long but getting better at it.

Since restrictions have lifted more I must say am very cautious still and when I make the effort go to the shops feel sad and anxious as there is such an unknown factor - who is near - who has touched things etc. My hand sanitizer is overused I am sure.

I have just received news that teachers I have worked with now covid cases in their school they must be so worried. It is very hard to get used to these times. Your support is so helpful.

Take care Sarahbelle.

That is scary news– I try to remind myself when I hear about new cases that some new infections are inevitable, but that in general Australia has done very well in managing the virus. That said, none of that matters once you have someone you know be potentially exposed. I hope the teachers that you have worked with get the all-clear and remain in good health.

I know what you mean about getting used to resting– it reminds me of a song title I love, called "Learning to Relax"– just like everything else, it's a skill that needs some honing and a muscle that needs some "exercise" if we haven't used it in a while.

I really identify with what you are saying about worrying about where potential infections are in public– sometimes I fantasize that I have a superpower that I can see the virus itself and therefore avoid it physically. It truly is very, very hard to get used to these times, although sometimes it feels like other people around are getting used to it much quicker.

Thinking of you and wishing you the best!

Gems

Hi guys!

I think that Australia has done a pretty good job so far as well! It seems as though social distancing is really being reinforced on public transport which is good to see. I also find it tiring to always think about keeping space between me and the next person as there are so many more people at the shops now again! Gems like your idea of honing the 'relax muscle'!

Hello Gems and missep 123.

Yes we are lucky to be in Australia luckily our numbers of covid are low but sadly this week has seen a rise in Victoria which I suppose we all expected when restrictions were eased. It makes me a little nervous but all we can do is continue to follow safe behaviours for ourselves and others.

I have had a very lazy and sleepy week - did not know I could sleep in so much!!! My dog is certainly enjoying being spoilt at the moment. I noticed a new puppy moving in over the road can't wait for a pat. A beautiful border collie like my girl.

Gems and missep 123 I hope you are both well and the weekend brings some nice surprises.

Take good care in these uncertain times.

Sarahbelle.

I love sleeping in! Sleep is so underrated. During Covid restrictions I really loved my sleep-ins! Now I usually go to bed around 9pm because I have to wake up at 5am!

That's so exciting that there's a new puppy across the street! Border collies are such beautiful dogs with beautiful natures.

What's your dog's name?

I love the support we have going on here!

Yes, I'd better be careful as could get very used to sleeping in especially these cold mornings. Early starts will come soon enough - I'll enjoy it while I can.

Wow missep 123 that is a very early start for you each morning no wonder you are in bed early in the evenings - I hope you can get sleep ins over the weekends especially now the weather in cold.

My gorgeous dog is named Polly . She is such lovely girl and likes to have lots of spoiling - she is such a joy.

I am feeling well I think the rest has really helped.

Do you have pets missep 123?

Yes I also think the support we have found is fabulous.

Take care,

Sarahbelle.

I'm so glad that you are feeling well and that the rest is helping! Sometimes we need time to re-charge our batteries!

Polly is such a lovely name!

I have a pug called Mochi. Mochi is the name of a traditional Japanese rice snack! She's so cheeky and loves cuddles.

How have you been feeling today?

Mochi is a cute name for a pug - they are lovely little dogs.

I hope you are going well in your new job and feel more comfortable now. It always takes time to settle into something new.

I am going okay - it is a bit worrying to see covid numbers rising in Melbourne at the moment. I have to have some tests and as I have a cold need to have another covid test before hand - went to 3 different places today and no success as lines so long and did not feel comfortable hanging around so will try again tomorrow - for me I am not worried as I really have been no where or with anyone who has been positive .

Big step for me as usually I would be so anxious but I am not - being very calm and level headed about it.

Very cold but home by the heater now with Polly keeping me company and wanting lots of pats.

Hope you are able to have a lovely evening.

Sarahbelle.

Thank you!! I love naming my pets after food!

Amazing! Look at the progress and growth you've made. It's really awesome to see. You should be proud of yourself!

Ah the job situation I decided to try and leave as I was pretty miserable. I'm the kind of person that I know pretty quickly if I'm happy or not and I've been happy with all my roles in the past except one other. I really hate letting people down so I tried to show how genuine I was.

Well it started out as being scared that I would catch it and that I would end up sick. Having had pneumonia I do not want to get anything like that again. Over time every little sniffle, cough, sneeze would set me off. I am really struggling with lack of sleep. I have been to my GP, had scans to confirm my chest pain is not heart related and talk to a psychologist. I am using a sleep app but in the last week have really struggled through lack of sleep. I worry that if I can’t go to work what will the long term future of my family be. Looking at the symptoms now I had cold sweats for four weeks or so, sweaty arm pit (one side only), dry lips, chest pain and have been very cautious to go out. I wake in the morning feeling as so I have not slept and often thrash around in my sleep, acting out my dreams. Last night and tonight I can not sleep, end up laying here in bed with shacking legs and clamy feet. This forum is very helpful. I will go and see my GP tomorrow and talk through options.

Hi Karting guy,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're dealing with all these health issues at once, especially lack of sleep. When we aren't sleeping properly, everything else becomes more difficult to think about clearly and our emotional highs and lows are intensified.

I'm very glad that you're off to see your GP to discuss your concerns. I might encourage you to share with your GP not only your physical symptoms, but some of the health anxiety you seem to be struggling with at the moment. A good doc should address both concerns. Hope you're well and would love to hear more if you care to share.

Best,
Gems

Hello All,

Missep 123 that is so funny with your pet names along the way my pets have mostly ended with a y. It is good that you could feel the job was not right for you and leave before you got too invested.

Gems I was a wondering how you were, hope you are well and all going okay.

Karting Guy, it is a hard time and Gem's and missep 123 are always great at giving sound information and a friendly ear. I felt very much like you are currently but am learning to cope better with the support of seeing a psychologist (this is new for me) and this forum. I have never been good at asking for help but sometimes doing it alone is just too hard. I still have tough times but feel a little more connected and more free to admit sometimes I am just not okay.

Take great care everyone,

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

I'm doing okay– I was doing better a week or two ago when I was venturing out more, but this uptick in cases in Victoria has me very worried I have to admit, so it's been another week mostly hunkered down from home :( I'm in NSW so things aren't quite as bad, though I have to say I'm envious of WA, NT, and QLD.

How are you going with your new psychologist?! Hope you're keeping well.

Best,

Gems

Hi Gem's,

Nice to hear from you, I am in Victoria so very concerning. My son works in a school in one of the hot spots so I am very worried about that. All we can do is take precautions and hope that keeps us safe.

Being a home body at the moment is good thing I thing. I am in isolation at the moment as I have a cold and waiting covid testing results -had to line up for a couple of hours - but I am doing okay. Really wish this would end soon but think we are all going to have to wait for some time yet. Hope NSW continues to keep cases down and Vic catches up to you soon.

Regards,

Sarahbelle.

I'm in Victoria too, Sarahbelle. It is a scary time.

I wanted to say that I really hope you go well with the covid test. I had the test a few weeks ago and I know it is a strange time while waiting. Also hoping that your son will be okay. I go back to work next week and am trying not to overthink the whole thing.

All the best.

Thanks Lodestar,

Crazy times indeed. Test results may take a while due to demand.

Thanks for your kind words.

Best of luck with returning to work. I understand this may be an anxious time.

Take care.

Sarahbelle.

Hi everyone,

How are you all doing today?

Sending positive and happy vibes!

Thanks missep 123 happy day to you too and may good things come your way.

Celebrating a very quiet birthday today. Watched the midday movie and having a cup of tea. My first birthday without my lovely mum. Reflecting on happy memories.

Some lovely flowers arrived from my nieces and nephew.

In isolation still waiting results so my son will organise take away for tea.

My laptop key pad has crashed which is annoying but never mind a little inconvenient can be lived with.

Keeping positive and thankful today.

Hope you are doing well.

Take care.

Sarahbelle.

Hi Sarahbelle,

I think it's very beautiful and wonderful that you are able to reflect on happy memories, that takes a lot of strength to do so.

Sending you positive and happy thoughts and I'm very glad to hear that you were able to be positive and thankful. Go you!

Thanks Missep 123.

Hope your weekend was enjoyable.

I feel I am doing well at the moment and am feeling more hopeful.

Covid numbers up in Victoria is worrying but I have been able to keep perspective. Just taking it day by day and not getting caught up in media and fear.

How are you going?

Hope the week ahead is positive for you.

Take care Sarahbelle

Hi Sarahbelle,

Thank you very much, after the stress of leaving the job last week my happiness has gone up exponentially. I have hope now for the future and future job opportunities. I really don't regret my decision which is comforting!

It is really good that you are taking it day by day. I am going to try to do this too! We can do this!

Have you been able to rest and take care of yourself?

One day at a time team! The numbers from Victoria remain concerning but compared to many other places things are well under control here. I'm doing my best to limit my media exposure, and today for the first time in months I am back in the office working, which I hope will help make things feel a bit more normal and routine. How were your weekends?

Best,

Gems

I think that's a great idea to limit media exposure. Being bombarded with all the news can feel very overwhelming!

That's great to hear Gems that you are back in the office, that will hopefully increase the feeling of normalcy and routine.

I got a job interview for this week so I'm very hopeful that I will be successful and enjoy this role!

How are you guys doing?

Best of luck with your job interview missep– that's so exciting! Let us know how you go :) ?

Hi missep and Gems.

Congratulations on your job interview missep, best of luck, they will be very lucky to have you.

Gems I hope all goes well back at work. It is good that life can feel a little more normal in these topsy turvy times.

Caught up with my closest friend today. We haven't seen each other for such a long time although we do talk nearly every day. Reminded me how much we need special people in our lives.

Thanks for being here and being you.

Sarahbelle.

Thank you for the support Gems and Sarahbelle!

I will definitely keep you guys updated on how it goes :)

I'm so happy for you that you were able to catch up with a close friend Sarahbelle! Often, spending time with the people who make us happy actually gives us a boost in energy!

Hello missep. and Gems.

Trying hard to stay grounded with the rising covid numbers in Victoria at the moment. It is alarming and worrying just how quickly it can grow.

I am doing okay have some shakey moments but beginning to have hope again and that is so important, for a while this seemed impossible to find. Now I let my mind dream a little and enjoy the possibility and am thankful for what I already have.

Missep i do wish you luck on the job front.

Sending wishes for a happy weekend.

Sarahbelle

.

I'm right there with you Sarahbelle. Now more than ever I think we need to treasure those small moments where we feel hopeful or peaceful. The more I learn about the COVID situation here in Australia, the more I am actually encouraged about the future and how well things are being handled, even if the news doesn't always frame it in that way.

Hope you're able to enjoy the weekend! Talk more soon.

Gems

I totally agree with you guys, it is scary the current situation in VIC but I do feel as though Australia has responded really well and will continue to respond well. Hope is such an important thing! Gratitude is also linked to happiness.

I also forgot to say that I got the job! I'm hopeful too now :)

Living in Melbourne it such a day to day rollercoaster at the moment with Covid numbers increasing and more hotspots identified.

It is very frightening and so sad that we are in this position. Especially those living in the high rise flats.

I am due to go back to work next week and must say am feeling anxious about it. Covid cases in the area and I don't believe schools have the capacity or protocols to protect staff and children.

Sometimes it is hard to stay hopeful but doing my best.

So great you got the job missep.

Take care all.

Sarahbelle