Northern Ireland is under new restrictions again in an effort to combat rising coronavirus levels. They will last for four weeks after which time they will be reviewed again. Our government is referring to the period as a ‘circuit breaker.’ In neighbouring Wales, their government has ordered similar measures although they are referring to the period as a ‘fire break.’ In both cases they are a necessary evil, a short, sharp sock.
The thinking is short term pain, long term gain. It is hoped the measures will allow our respective nations to get on top of the virus again so we can have as normal a Christmas as possible. My office has closed for two weeks and when I return I will be working alternative weeks in the office and from home. Action is required now, no matter how unpleasant it may seem. We have to take our medicine and get on with it the best we can. I could write these cliches all day long. I hope you get my drift.
Having struggled with OCD for most of my life I can relate to the terminology. Obsessive thinking and the accompanying compulsions are reminiscent of a toy train performing endless loops of a track. It is an endless round of routines and entrapment, a horrible, painful backdrop to ant life. Alone, we struggle to cope and see no end to the miserable cycle. It takes courage to step away from this way of living, to break the circuit and slay the beast within.
I availed of medication, counselling and a healthier lifestyle to do so. I also learnt to talk and write about my experiences in an effort to educate both myself and others about this most misunderstood of mental illnesses. It remains a daily battle and there are times I can feel myself succumbing to old patterns and routines. It’s then I have to be at my most self-aware and force myself to step back from the edge of the abyss.
You may be in a rut today as you read this. It could be mental illness, addiction, a bad relationship or any other number of scenarios. Your life may be a relentless loop from which you can see no reprieve. I offer you hope and a way out of the mire. Circuits can be broken, I’m living testimony to that. All it takes is a little courage and a bucketful of determination. Take the first step today, take it now. Breaking the circuit can be the first step towards the life you were born to live.
Black Thoughts 
I saw on the news today some of the restrictions in Ireland, it’s pretty strict. Hopefully it works as intended. You take care, hang in there one day at a time
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Thank you very much.
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I think this is a wise (yet painful, as you say) course of action. Short term pain for long term gain! If only my country would follow the same path instead of being short sighted and self centered. Good luck as you enter this phase!
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Thank you. I’m hopeful it works.
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Ah, to live in a country where leaders recognize the need for a NATIONAL plan of action rather than just leaving it up to the individual state governments. Because, as we all know, viruses sometimes travel across state borders! (Shocking, I know.)
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Yes. I’m hopeful this strategy works 😊
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The bucket theory seems better than spoon theory.
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I really hope so.
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I knew I needed to run away today. That ought to break the circuit, right?
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Well that depends on what you are running away from! But if it’s something negative you are running away from and reaching a better place then for sure it’s worth attempting the run 🙂
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Most definitely. How far are you going?
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I made it to the grocery store, purchased a few necessities for dinner, then came back.
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It’s a start, I guess.
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Well said! To survive all we need is a little courage and bucket full of determination. And seeing your testimony on battling with OCD is kind of inspiring 🙂
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Thank you very much Ivan.
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Stephen,
It is hard to take the first step. I hope people will accept the help that is out there for them.
Wonderful blog post, as always!
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Thank you very much 🙂
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The numbers keep going up here in Florida. I think we need to go back to being more strict. Stay safe.
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You too Amanda.
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