Blog
What does ‘normal’ even mean?
Distance is love and will keep us alive.
Cristovam – Andra Tutto Bene
Guilty!
One thing's for sure, the use of social media over the past few weeks has certainly skyrocketed. Mark Zuckerberg must be a very happy man! No doubt, we are all guilty, but this can also be a positive thing. With plenty of time to think, we can use this to change our perspective.
I've seen many positive actions online, support & love for the NHS, people supporting family, friends and the elderly. I've seen a community come together through social distancing, to fight this pandemic and make the world a better place. I don’t know about you, but it has helped me find trust and hope in humanity again. I've read many positive quotes about what’s most important and I've reflected on what has been our ‘normal'. But what does ‘normal’ even mean?
As leaders, teachers, educators & safeguarding professionals, we've been working hard to provide resources for home-learning and to keep routines going, as well as providing opportunities for personal development and finding a sense of self-worth. We've seen our students take all of this on board with tremendous pride and they've shown us so much more than just achievement on an academic level. They've shown so much resilience in the most difficult of times and I think this is something we can all learn from. I’m sure everyone would like to join me in saying a big thank-you to all of our fantastic students.
Aside from the daily routine and the structure we need in our lives, during times like this many of us might feel we've lost a sense of ourselves. Not being able to do the simple things we would've done in our spare time - like being able to see family or friends, go to the cinema, or the gym - can be unnerving and uncomfortable. As difficult as it may seem to find a way around this and keep ourselves sane, there is always a way. It’s okay not to have ‘normality’ in our lives. Instead of the gym, go for a run or a walk, make it family time, do some painting or baking. Take advantage of the time you have now, to run away from what’s ‘normal’ and immerse yourself in what’s important. I don’t think I've ever taken part in as many group video calls, phone calls, or WhatsApp chats, as I have recently. It makes me happy to know that in these times, distance will not beat us.
Remember to #bekind and keep in touch with loved ones. This is what's important, now more than ever!
In the rush back to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.
Dave Hollis
Keep well and stay safe!
