Snow Globes

I’ve sat down to write so many times since the lockdown began, but nothing materialises. Even though the universe has grabbed the small, settled snow globe of my life and given it a good shake, I can see quite clearly that my position is one of privilege. The steps my family took to prepare for Brexit have served us well, and I can’t help but think of people who are now worried about mortgages, jobs, and bills. It’s not a pleasant place to be when events out of your control threaten to rob you of everything you’ve worked for and value.

My impulse is to help, to offer up wisdom or advice on how to cope, but I can see that’s an arrogant reaction. Something as benign as offering a recipe made from basic ingredients seems a bit shitty when those ingredients aren’t basic for a lot of people right now. And don’t get me started on self-improvement during lockdown. Many of us are focusing on self-preservation and really don’t need lifestyle coaches and fitness gurus telling us about ‘opportunities’ when we’re too scared, worried, and mentally tapped out to maintain, much less improve.

So I’ve decided the best thing I can do for people right now is to wish them as much health and happiness as is possible. And then it’s time for me to be quiet, or at the very least, speak when spoken to. I’m here if you need anything. And I hope all our snow globes return to a peaceful, settled state very soon.

Elizabeth x