By Bernie Bell

January the Eighth…….SNOW!  And Mike’s footprints can be traced as he goes down the garden to feed the birds………..

January the Ninth……Saturday – means weekly shopping day – what one person can do, wearing their mask, at the Stromness Co-op. That’s us sorted for another week!

January the Tenth……..A rainy day……that didn’t stop us……a walk on the beach near Cullya Blet, Deerness… stretches of shelly sand….so much colour, different shapes and interest…….

January the Eleventh….And Mike is back at work after the holiday – still working at home though.  One day, I’ll get my ‘den’ back!

He feels very fortunate to be able to work from home – has established his own routine, and works with the situation he’s found himself in.

January the Twelfth……..Back at work….and back doing on-line Yoga, Tuesdays and Fridays – it helps……..

January the Thirteenth………Island Living……a lunchtime break……..Orkney.  Where we are……..at this time……and I thank all the Gods there are, that we are.

January the Fourteenth….”It’s a new dawn….it’s a new day……..”

It should be an interesting year to record.  Another 50 weeks to go – let’s see where they take us – hopefully, we’ll see some positive changes in the world.

We keep on going, living our lives – one day at a time. 

Some find this harder to do, than others.  Someone I know emailed me to say…..

“It’s just kind of hard to find the motivation to do things like school work and even just to do things I would usually enjoy like reading or drawing or watching things like movies and cartoons. The confinement just hasn’t really been doing me any good (even though I know it’s necessary).”

And I answered………..

“I do get how you are feeling. All I can say is to try, really try, to hold on – do things – do things you like to do – get through, not just each day, but each part of a day, and – you will come through it and there will be good things again.

I know – hard when you’re down there, but – I’ve found that it’s the only thing to do – keep going.

Here’s something………..  https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/04/11/holding-on-in-hard-times/

Can you get out and walk? I find that that helps – walking, steady – a steady, swinging walk, lets your mind ease and go with the flow. Some people go running – running just ain’t my thing!

Hold on – you have your whole life, and many, many good times ahead of you.”

One day, at a time.

One Day At A Time……..