Why 'Normal' Life is Underrated

We're in the early stages of the '2nd Wave' here in the UK, and back in 'lock-down.' Unless things get better quickly, we're likely to spend Christmas in 'self-isolation.'

A month ago, it felt as if things might - might - slowly be returning to 'normal' (at least, a new 'normal'). But, now, that illusion has been shattered. Covid has returned with brutal force, and we've all returned to our homes.

An eerie, funereal silence has returned to the normally busy Liverpool streets.

Tape is now back on the floors of the supermarkets, marking out the obligatory two meter distance we need to keep from each other.

And, masks - which, for a short time, became less common - have suddenly returned to the faces of everyone you encounter.

These are strange times, people. (Well, Part Two, anyway.)

But it's also a time of reflection.

Truth be told, after my exploits last year, when my life fell apart in spectacular style, this period was always going to be. I always needed to do a lot of soul-searching during this time: Covid-19 has simply enhanced that, and given me more 'space' to do so.

And, my conclusions - so far - are pretty straightforward:

1. 'Normal life' is great. It's amazing. Popping the pub to watch the football, sitting in a cafe having a coffee, being able to use public transport... How many of those 'mundane' things have we taken for granted? In my case, all of them. When this all passes, I'll never decline a social invitation, I'm going to savor that first pint in The Albert on Lark Lane, never, ever moan when a train is two minutes late again, and my daughters can go for ice cream whenever they want.

2. The NHS is wonderful. It just is. If you follow me on any social media, you'll know that I lean to the 'left.' I'm not a socialist per se, but I do believe in social equality, and the NHS is central to that. Yes - it's unwieldy, swallows money... but it's simply just a beautiful thing, and the people who work within it are to be treasured. Like many people in the UK, my love affair with the NHS has been rekindled during the Covid-19 crisis. And, once it's passed, I'm going to fight to protect it.

3. Don't watch horror movies at a time like this. Truthfully, 'Midsommer' was one of the best films I've ever seen, but utterly the wrong choice of viewing when you're trying to keep your spirits up. Don't do it. Stick with 'Friends.'

4. People are - by and large - really nice. They are. Granted, there's nothing like a disaster to bring out the worst in our species - and there's been no shortage of examples of selfish, mean, and downright despicable behavior.

Landlords trying to evict tenants; scammers pretending to be Tax Officers from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs ... the callousness of some people is shocking.

However...

People are being nice. They're being kind. They're checking in with loved ones. They're offering to run errands. I normally find social media a bear-pit of bile, and insincerity. But Twitter, Facebook, Instagram... it's all awash with compassion, with support. With kindness.

I know the world will look very different once Covid-19 has done its worst. But, if we can keep that spirit of humanity and charity alive, maybe - just maybe - we can rebuild a world that is far nicer, far kinder, than the pretty heartless one we had back in 2019.

5. However, not only can people be nice, they're also fundamental to our happiness. And I miss them. As well as making a concerted effort to savor everyday life once this pandemic passes, I'm also going to make the most of the people that matter to me. And I'm going to hug the Hell out of them. Every last one of them.

I'm not the most tactile guy, but I've discovered that I miss cuddling. And I'm going bear-hug every single one of you beauties once it's safe to.

6. 'Normal life' is great. Yeah, yeah, I know I've said that, but I really thought it deserved repeating...

So, 'normal life' rocks, the NHS is wondrous, it's best not to watch scary films during a 'lock-down', and people have a wonderful capacity for kindness, as well as being central to our mental well-being (and hugs are vital): Obvious lessons, maybe, but I'm glad they've all been rammed home.

These are grim, hard, and scary times. They're certainly the toughest I've ever faced. But, they've also reminded me of a few essential truths.

And among all the darkness, those truths have given me something to cling onto - they've given me a ray of hope.

And we all need that more than ever.

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