I’ve been in a very similar situation. I had met someone right before I was about to go away on a trip to Europe. We actually decided that we wanted to stay together while I was away and we’re still together now three and a half years later. I never regretted it because I figured I didn’t really want to see anyone else anyway.  ... View more

Hey guys, hope everyone is feeling a little happier after today’s announcements!  ... View more

Happy belated birthday @lokifish and thanks for all your contributions!!  ... View more

Hey @Bento just wanted to check in and see how you were feeling following today’s announcements in Victoria?  ... View more

Hey @Bento, I can definitely relate with feeling a bit anxious and stressed about everything opening up again in Melbourne. It feels strange to think about going out into busy places after being in lockdown for so long. Try not to feel concerned about taking a little while to adjust to this- a lot of people will be in the same boat! For me, I find it helps to discuss my worries with friends and those closest to me, is this something you could try too?   I can also relate to your fear about the election. It can feel like there’s a lot riding on it because it will impact so many lives. I know it’s incredibly hard to avoid the media at the moment. I’m just trying to focus on positive news stories rather than negative ones but I understand this can be very difficult to do. I’m just trying to focus on the fact that our lives will start to normalise in November and that’s something to feel positive about!  ... View more

Hey @Saltwaterdreamtime and @Wolfie_, I’m in metro Melbourne as well and I agree that it has been really really tough. I’m starting to feel more positive about things because I feel like the end really is in sight. Whilst it can be incredibly difficult to stay positive after being in lock down for so long, I’m finding solace in the fact that the case numbers have dropped significantly and hopefully we’ll be living relatively normal lives soon enough. Hang in there!  ... View more

Thanks for sharing @James99 very interesting take on it! ... View more

Loved this article @Bento thanks for sharing!! ... View more

It’s completely normal to feel like this and don’t feel like you’re alone in that. I really like your positive spin on things- you should definitely try to hold onto that. You’re one of the first people I’ve spoken to who has framed it like that and I think it’s rare for someone to even begin to consider the positive aspects of the pandemic in such a difficult time.  ... View more

It’s so good to hear that you’re enjoying drawing and watching anime. Definitely keep that up if it’s making you feel better. That’s awesome that you put you art on Etsy! Do you use any other social media sites that you could potentially advertise your art on? It sounds like you’re really talented and passionate about your art which is so great to hear.  ... View more

Hi @Bento I can’t say exactly what will happen in the future but I do think that many people want to beat this virus and get on with their lives. There are definitely some crazy people and politicians out there but I like to think that most people (well those who I have been interacting with) are really banding together and giving each other support in these difficult times. We’re all here to support you through this tough time as well so hopefully that restores some of your faith in society and humanity. I’m really sorry to hear about not being able to go to art conventions. We’ve had to make so many sacrifices this year and it’s really sad to hear that you’re not able to do something you love because of COVID. Hopefully they’ll be up and running again soon. In the mean time are any online conventions running perhaps? Or would you be able to sell your art in another safe and secure way online? I know this period has been horrible and it can be really tough to keep positive but know we’re all here to support you through this tough time.  ... View more

Exercise in the morning definitely helps me!  ... View more

Hey @Bento, I think these fears are definitely justified particularly in light of everything that has happened this year. I too am terrified for the US election in November- it scares me to think that such narcissistic and deranged people are allowed to lead a country. I think at the moment it’s so easy to focus on all of the negative aspects of society. The media makes it extremely hard to avoid. This year I have barely seen any positive or uplifting news stories. Although this year has been incredibly tough, I have tried really hard to focus on the positives and do activities which I know will make me happy. Maybe you could try this too? I’ve also been trying to talk to friends and people that I find to be uplifting. I feel like it really is difficult to stay positive for such a prolonged period of time in such a harsh lockdown and with so much negativity surrounding us, but I think it’s so important to take care of yourself as much as you can and do the things you love to try to make this shitty time a little bit better ... View more

Hey @greenbookshelf ! I’m in Melbourne too and I can definitely relate to these feelings. I’m someone who always needs to keep busy and always needs to be around people so stage 4 lockdown has definitely hit hard. I think it’s super important to not be too hard on yourself when you feel like you haven’t had a productive day or don’t feel like doing anything at all. Some days I feel really lethargic and unmotivated and I think this is a completely normal response to the harsh restrictions we’ve been under for so long. I find it really helpful to talk to my partner when I’m feeling a bit down. I also just try to remind myself that the case numbers are going down, the weather is getting better and restrictions are being eased- there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I totally agree with you when you said it can be exhausting chatting to friends on the phone. I’m so sick of zooming/ calling people as well because it just doesn’t feel authentic at all. I had a picnic in the park with my friend on the weekend and that made me feel a lot happier. Maybe this is something that you could consider doing too? And most important of all just try to be kind to yourself during these tough times! ... View more

Hey @ShaiShai666 this sounds like a really tough and stressful situation. I can totally understand how you might feel insecure and hurt by all of this. It can be hard when we put all of our trust into someone and that trust gets broken but it sounds like you’re responding to it all very maturely. I think counselling sounds like a great idea and I feel as though the counsellor will be able to mediate the situation and give you both great advice. It’s great that you both want to work on the relationship and put in the time and effort into mending the situation. Take it easy up until the counselling session and be kind to yourself. I hope it all works out for you. ... View more

1. Eating good meals and cooking a lot 2. My supportive partner 3. Having a picnic at with a friend ... View more

Studying and downtime has definitely blurred into one being in lockdown in Victoria. I like to go for a walk at the end of the day once I’ve finished studying. Then after I get home from my walk I like to read or watch TV during down time which has definitely helped!  ... View more

Hey @jamijam I’m really sorry you’ve been having dreams and flashbacks about your ex, it sounds really tough. It’s so good to hear that you’ve decided to speak to your current partner about some of your insecurities and triggers. He sounds really understanding and supportive. How are you feeling now? ... View more

I’ve been doing pilates most mornings which helps! But definitely agree it can be tough to keep going and keep motivated atm  ... View more

Going for an hour long walk ... View more

It sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate. I’m really sorry to hear that you’re having such a tough time. I really don’t think you should be scared that the situation hasn’t concerned you as much as you think it should have. Just focus on yourself and what you need to do to make yourself feel a bit better ❤️ ... View more

It sounds like you’ve really thought about it and have come to a decision that works best for you. It’s so important to make sure you’re addressing your own needs. How are you feeling about it all? ... View more

Baking has been making me so happy during isolation. Feel like it’s something completely different from what I normally do (study and work all the time) and I’ve definitely brushed up on my skills 🤩 ... View more

Going for a walk at sunset ... View more

Hey @333 how’s it all going? ... View more

Giving consent is flat out saying yes and it sounds like you didn’t consent in this situation. Don’t feel at all like you’re in the wrong or to blame for what has happened  ... View more

1. I ate my favourite dessert... cheesecake!! 2. I did an online pilates class 3. The weather was beautiful today  ... View more

Agreed with @Lost_Space_Explorer5 if you don’t feel comfortable talking to your friend about it now or ever that’s completely understandable. Something similar happened to me with a boy I was seeing and thought I trusted. I know how horrible it feels afterwards and that everyone copes with it so differently. Take your time and do whatever you feel is best for you ❤️ ... View more

Hey @333 this sounds like a really difficult situation, I can definitely see how you feel anxious and uncomfortable about it. Alcohol can definitely heighten emotions and make people do things they wouldn’t normally do. Have you spoken to your friend since or told her how it made you feel?  ... View more

What's something that doesn't take a lot of time, but that makes you feel better?   Watering my plants! 2. Is there a small change you can make this week (or even right now!) I’m going to try to eat more veggies this week 🌽  ... View more