A period of adjustments

A lot has happened since I last posted. I stayed in, got somewhat comfortable on zoom and start to accept the way things are. Then the world starts to open up again. I’m not complaining far from it! A lot of little and not so little adjustments are needed to get used to going out again. The whole world is in the same boat. This post is all about the changes that are happening and the adjustments I’m making to get used to my new normal.

Adjusting to wearing a mask

Unless you’re exempt for medical reasons we’ve all had to get used to wearing masks. It’s only now that I’m actually leaving the house that I’m using one. As I also wear glasses. This is extra tricky as the steam meant I could barely see where I was going and sometimes had to remove my glasses for safety. Not very practical as my glasses are as necessary as a mask and thankfully a lot more comfortable!

I received a tip from one of the carers belonging to the agency that assists me. Cross the straps that go behind your ears. This was said very matter of factly. The person assisting me to shower was wearing a mask, gloves and apron in a steamed-up bathroom but her glasses were clear! Having tried various methods suggested by the internet, the next time I ventured out I tried it and to my surprise, it actually works!

Reintroducing myself to eating out

My first meal outside my house since February 2020 happened on the 19th of May 2021. As eating out was an activity my friends and I did at least once a month, it was weird to feel so nervous and not know what to expect, especially as I booked a place we used to visit all the time.

Armed with masks and sensitiser we all turned up. I was twenty minutes late as I realised ten minutes after leaving home that I’d left my handbag behind! Prior to this, the only outings I’d been on were walks to the park or around the block. I hadn’t picked up my handbag in over a year! Madness in itself! Successfully checked into the pub via the track and trace app I cautiously removed my mask. It felt lovely and strange to sit close to people who weren’t my immediate family. I felt like I hadn’t seen my friends in years and also as if I saw them last week and COVID-19 was just a bad dream. Regardless, it felt amazing to catch up!

Menu adjustment perk

Restaurants, pubs cafes etc now have their menus accessible via apps on smartphones. This is so that staff and customers can have less contact and to discourage people from moving around. The pub we were at was offering table service as well but they also had an app which could be used to place your order. I hope this survives after the COVID-19 precautions. It was nice to be able to see what options were available to me rather than having to ask other people. It’s very convenient to be able to place your own order yourself and would be more inclusive for people with hearing and speech difficulties too.

Anxiety adjustment

I don’t know whether I’ve mentioned on this blog that I suffer with anxiety. I’ve mentioned how weird but nice it felt to be out. Last year I felt anxious to be stuck in. It’s like my brain has been reprogrammed. As horrible as COVID-19 has been, the lockdown was freeing in a way because I wasn’t worried about getting anywhere or whether a certain place was accessible. Everywhere was shut and suddenly courses/tours and entertainment were online! Living with my family, surrounded by my belongings and my bedroom and bathroom adapted to my needs I no longer had to physically struggle.

Now that I’ve started going out again my old worries are coming back. The flip side to this is that seeing people and being proactive is healing the parts of me that really struggled being in lockdown. I’m a people person, even with anxiety. No situation is without its positives and negatives. I try to be as positive as possible and to organise myself so that my reasons for anxiety are as minimal as possible. Are you feeling anxious about entering the world or even just your street again? I know plenty of people are, even google thinks so…

How do you feel about adjusting to the outside world?

Adapting to study again

At the end of April 2021, I was accepted onto the Academy For Disabled Journalists course. This course started last year and is run by Ability Today. I would have never been able to do this course if it wasn’t for the pandemic as Ability Today is based in London. Moving the course online, the organisers have decided that it will continue to be delivered this way after restrictions have lifted. Another example of keeping things as inclusive as possible. I hope places that have offered online resources continue to do so. I have loved being able to go on virtual tours and experiences. While I miss face-to face-interactions, studying online is also easier in lots of ways. I’m really enjoying the course and I have a press pass. Look out world, (when restrictions are over, obviously!) At the end of the ADJ, I receive a Certificate in Foundation Journalism.

I’m going to be learning skills and knowledge to get me closer to my dream of being a travel writer. Although I’m really looking forward to the video unit. If you suddenly notice a change in my content then this course is probably why. Writing is still my go-to though I don’t think that will ever change.

Since I started writing this post I’ve received confirmation that I have my care package fully funded! I’ll write more details about it later on but it didn’t seem right not to mention it as I’ve used this blog as my catharsis surrounding my care struggles. The only way is up says Yazz and I happen to agree. Until next time.