I think it’s fair to say we’re all just plain fed up with COVID-19 at this stage. We have passed the first anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Ireland and coronavirus certainly feels like a visitor who has overstayed it’s welcome and can’t seem to get the message it’s time to go!

In times like these – even though we’re all being asked to #HoldFirm, be patient and positive – it’s very difficult to be positive when all we can think about is what we’re missing out on and how much longer will it be before we get back to “normal”.

In times like these it’s important that we allow ourselves to feel upset about what we’re missing – it’s only natural. It’s not healthy to bottle things up and just grin and bear it. Having said that, it’s not always healthy to continually focus on what we’re missing, either, as it often means we fail to see everything we do have in our lives.

So I have two things for us to practice this month to help us manage our feelings about whatever it is we’re missing most these days, and perhaps be open to feeling a little more hopeful about the good things the future will most certainly bring.

Practice 1

Always remember the word “yet”. I want to visit my parents/children/grandchildren, but it’s not possible just yet. I want to go for a coffee/meal/pint with my friends, but I understand it’s just not possible yet. I want to get back to GAA coaching/matches/training but the GAA say it’s not possible yet. I would just love to go dancing, but I can’t yet. Maybe you could think of something that you’re really missing at the moment and try to find a way to express what you’re feeling, then add the word “yet” to the end. See if it can help you feel a little more hopeful about how things are at the moment.

Practice 2

Often, it’s very difficult not to think about how long it’s going to be before we get back to where we can socialise with our friends again. That can sometimes mean we don’t realise all the wonderful things we do have around us while we’re safe at home. So, how about we try to think of positive things that we can do today – just for today – so we don’t feel quite so overwhelmed with the uncertainty surrounding things to come?

Just for today, I will feel thankful to be safe at home.

Just for today, I will not worry.

Just for today, I will remind myself that this time will pass.

Just for today, I will accept the things that are outside of my control as they are.

Maybe you and your family can think of something nourishing for you to do and explore if you can do it “just for today”.

If a day seems too big an ask, how about saying, “just for this hour I will not worry”.

See how it works out for you and, more importantly, see how it helps you feel.

These days are tough; we’re all missing our family, friends, neighbours and what we warmly refer to as “normal life”, but you can be sure our days won’t always be like this and we’ll all be reunited once again – having craic and spending joyful times together.

Think of it as if as you would a long day on the farm: you know when you get home, you’ll have some hot, tasty grub and a warm, comfy bed – we’re just not finished the last few jobs yet.