On your marks. Get set. GO!

Photo by SB on Unsplash   

 From tomorrow you can get that much-needed hair cut, go to any shop you like, go swimming, visit the library, have a self-catering holiday, have a pint in your local beer garden, go to the zoo or have a driving lesson. As lock-down restrictions are lifted, allowing you much more (albeit still limited) freedom, how are you feeling about it?

Most people, I suspect, will be cock-a-hoop, making all sorts of plans to enjoy activities that have not been allowed for months, but what if you're not sharing that excitement and looking forward with anticipation?

The thought of visiting busy places again will be filling some with dread. Despite having had the vaccine, I know some elderly people who are reluctant suddenly to get back to 'normality'. Those experiencing physical or mental illness may be feeling nervous, anxious or panicky as lock-down eases. Perhaps some feel under pressure from family and friends, or even guilty about their lack of enthusiasm.

MIND, the mental health charity, recognises that these changes can be stressful and has a helpful website about managing feelings as lock-down eases. You can visit it here .

Writing prompts:

• Write about how you are feeling as lock-down restrictions are eased.
• What are you most looking forward to being able to do from tomorrow?
• What are you least looking forward to? 
• Make a list of all the things you have discovered about yourself and others during lock-down. 
• Write about what has changed for you, if anything. 

Appropriately enough the phrase cock-a-hoop has its origins in the 16th century and apparently meant 'to turn on the tap and let the liquor flow prior to a drinking bout.'