Stage 4 lockdowns, (in)sanity and the need to feel seen.
If you asked me what day of lockdown it was here in Melbourne, my eyes would glaze over. I’ve/we’ve all lost count—all we know is that it’s been a helluva long time. For the majority of us—at least the majority of those in my network—we’re doing the right things. Some days feel harder than others, but we’re pushing through.
As I’ve explained to many people—in the grand scheme of this pandemic—I’ve been okay. Actually now, more than okay. I’ve really utilised this time to look inward; to place a magnifying glass over my life and nitpick at what no longer serves my purpose, what sets my soul on fire, what the truest version of myself actually looks like. I’ve called it my spiritual awakening, because it’s been just that for me. At the beginning of this COVID period, I was rattled to my core, as I’m sure many were and still are: anxiety-induced attacks, an incessant amount of tears, the looming thought of what does this mean for the future, losing my 9-to-5 (at least that’s what I thought at the time), moving back in to the family home—all of that fun stuff. It was a really fucking hard time, as it was for many. And yes, the anxiety still makes itself known here and there, ya know, just to keep me grounded. But I eventually found my groove…a privilege in and of itself, I’m aware.
Yet, there are others—both within and outside of my network—that are struggling immensely. I have spoken to numerous loved ones or online friends that have articulated their frustration with life as we know it. For some, it has even seen them spiral down a hole of mental illness struggles; a hole that they have not seen for quite some time or never experienced before. For some, they live alone; indulging in the most minimal of social activity when they encounter a neighbour whilst taking the bins out/getting their mail, are on their one-hour mandated exercise outing or are doing a quick trip to the supermarket for their necessities. For some, they long for physical human contact—a warm cuddle, a shoulder to cry on, or sexual intimacy. Some people just need a friend in front of them, minus the video call that separates yet connects them both. See, these are the things that we may have taken for granted in the past. These are the things that we may not have thought about in great length until now—now, when it has been stripped away, at least for the foreseeable future.
What I’m trying to get at is, despite suffering, they’re still abiding. Despite it being hard, they’re doing the right thing. And whether or not they agree with what the government is enforcing, they’re still pushing on—waiting for that silver lining. They know it’s coming, so they hold onto that hope.
Then there are those that take it upon themselves to throw everyones hard work back in their face. Those that have taken it upon themselves to not only break the rules, but boast about it on social media platforms. They must think that this is allowed? I think to myself, giving them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they just needed a quick release? We’ve been denied so much for so long after all. But then it happens…again, and again, and again. In fact, at this point, it’s gotten to the point where it doesn’t stop happening. Despite the fact that these people are living in Melbourne, under the same rules and guidelines as the rest of us, they are knowingly and willingly breaking our current laws. Better yet, they are posting it for the world to see.
A hero complex? Perhaps. But let me tell you something, I—and many of the other people I have spoken to about such behaviour (I just posted a fire Instagram story telling everyone that’s breaking the rules to go fuck themselves, it was tasty)—think you’re a massive asshole. Posting to your ‘Close Friends’ still means posting your incompetence online. Sending out a 15-second Snapchat (that technically disappears) stays etched on the minds of the receivers for many days and weeks to come. See, what you’re doing is really just giving people the reason to believe and know that you’re a selfish asshole that doesn't care about anyone else, just your good time—your “street cred.”
It really begs the thought, though—you’re doing the wrong thing. You know that you’re doing the wrong thing. But you still decide to post about it online? Why? For what reason? Do you want to make people jealous? Do you want to start controversy? Here’s a fun little fact for you all that partake in the above nonsense: everyone thinks you’re an idiot. Not only are you breaking the rules, you’re amplifying your wrong-doing for the world to see. You’re handing out your incompetence on a silver platter.
A little piece of advice: don’t do the wrong thing. If you’re going to do the wrong thing, don’t post about it. It’s just. stupid.
Oh, and to finish off: for everyone that does the wrong thing, posts themselves doing the wrong thing and then complains about other people doing the wrong thing…I have no words. Actually, I do have a few words: stop. Reflect. Don’t be a dick.
Sending everyone in Melbourne a lot of love—even those that are doing the wrong thing. Maybe just a little less love.
