Terrace Ladies Group

A lot has happened in the last two weeks, and this has been the hardest newsletter article to write. I have written it and then rewritten it three times. Whatever I write seems as if it is irrelevant. In these uncertain times I genuinely believe it is important to keep your cool and keep it together.

Be compassionate – think of yourself and your family, but also don’t judge others by their actions. This unfolding scenario is unchartered territory for everyone. We will make choices that we feel are best for ourselves and our family. It is important not to pass judgment on others. I think the art of listening will go a long way. We may not agree with other’s views or actions, but that is ok. It is important to remember that sometime in the future, this will all be over, and we will go back to our new sense of normal. 

Be kind – to yourself and those around you. Maybe it's time to stop and think about how we can make our lives simpler and not spend so much time in the express lane. Believe me, this will be my biggest challenge as I am one to keep piling as much into the day and weeks as I can without regard for who I am leaving behind or what physical state I end up in. 

Be patient – to yourself and with the pressure valve that is our day. Take time to smell the roses. Plan your days ahead as much as you can. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and your family to be here there and everywhere. Leave that five minutes early to be on time. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Be respectful – of yourself and others. We are all different and we all make different choices and will react differently to the world around us. We never really know what is going on in each other’s homes and families. We need to respect that each of our choices is right for us and leave it at that. 

Be smart – My gut feeling is that common sense will prevail in the days, weeks and months to come. Listen to the information being given out. Make sure the information is coming from creditable sources and don’t get caught up in the news hype of the day. Talk to your children about what they are hearing and what they are feeling. See if they have any questions that might be keeping them up at night. Just because they don’t say anything does not mean they are not going through inner turmoil. Be prepared to do things differently. 

We have made some difficult decisions concerning social events between now and the end of June 2020. Please refer to Dr Carroll’s letter from Wednesday for further information.