We Move Still x

When Kobe Bryant died, we all felt it. It was like the world stopped.

Two months later Covid-19 literally stopped the world.

Coronavirus has literally consumed our lives, and I don’t mean panic buying toilet rolls and Brennans bread. That seems like so long ago lol. It forced countries to lockdown, shut the doors of schools and universities all over the world, most non-essential shops were closed, so many people bed-bound and many dying, it was terrifying, it still is terrifying. It has literally put our lives on hold, even through the brief reprieve when outside opened again nothing was the same. The world is bleeding and with the way it spread I feel like I now fully comprehend the whole “we’re a global village” schtick.

At the start of the quarantine it was easy to shout self-care, exercise, self-improvement, etc… etc… you guys have heard it all but now as we are 3 weeks into our second lockdown and my exams are fast approaching and my mind refuses to focus, I struggle to sit still despite preparing myself for this for the last couple months. How can I focus when the world around me is bleeding. How are those around me expected to sit and pass exams again when most of us are still struggling through profound loss? We’re surrounded by the stench of fear, we fear for our families, our friends and ourselves. It’s mad because the 21st October was probably the hardest day for a lot of us to keep functioning after witnessing the massacre in Lekki. Many of us woke up the next day feeling broken. Rest in Power to those beautiful souls that had their lives cruelly cut short by those meant to protect them. I cannot even begin to explain how heartbroken we are, I know I was hanging on by a thread that day.

During this pandemic a lot of us have realised the weight humanity holds and the extent to which we are all connected. I know we’re all tired of being in our houses, especially those of us that struggled to get through the first lockdown already. I know that this lockdown is going to be tougher on a lot of us especially because of the time of the year. I think of those who are at home lonely, I know what its like to constantly keep busy to avoid be alone with your negative thoughts, now being home is putting their mental health at risk. They have nothing to busy themselves with and now their thoughts are at a risk of overcoming them. I think of those who are encouraged to grow yet they don't have the strength to grow in these times. I think of those that home is not such a safe space for them, and they are once again stuck there after managing to survive the last few months. I think of those who are living under fear of death, fear for family, for friends yet they have to keep going like their world isn’t collapsing around them. I feel for those that do not get the chance to say their final goodbyes in this time, they do not get to fully mourn those lost.

I remember January, coming into this decade with so much hope for the future, with so much anticipation for this new period of our lives. My dreams of roaring twenty 20s themed parties, girls trips and celebrating my 21st with all my loved ones. I remember that hope slowly leaving me. At least we’re all in the same boat. We got through the first one so I know we can do it again. Please don’t put too much pressure on yourself, this year we are cancelling the "what have you achieved this year" schtick. I'm not trying to hear it and neither should you. This lockdown won’t last forever, I know it feels like it will but it won’t. I know this period is very difficult, but please stay at home and stay safe. Practice social distancing so we can return to a semblance of normality and please I am begging you, if you feel alone, or down, or like your world is closing up around you please try and reach out. This season will be harder especially with the dark evenings and the cold, so please keep in touch. I know its hard, but I promise you you’re not alone. You are loved, you are strong and we will all get through this.

Much love,

Moyin