a COVID-19/Ramadan/everyday* manifesto

by | May 4, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

*delete as appropriate

 

It’s okay and normal to do nothing right now.

I am never doing nothing; I am processing, reacting, responding constantly.

One day try and do nothing.

 

Fuck being productive; productivity is driven by capitalism.

Don’t feel guilty about what drives me.

But don’t be driven from a place of fear or scarcity; I have plenty, I am safe.

 

Celebrate anti-social distancing.

Constant connection is overwhelming; remember I was connected ‘before.’

There is no ‘before’ or ‘after;’ there is no ‘going back.’

 

Comparisons won’t help us/will hurt us.

Stale models and old routines won’t work.

The world and I will not be the same.

 

I don’t need to learn an instrument/a language/any skill that the world values more than kindness.

I need to learn kindness to myself (one day exchange ‘need’ for ‘want’).

Learn who I am without distractions, destructions and demand.

 

This is not a holiday; I still need a holiday.

I don’t have time to start/build/create; even if I had time, this is not the right time.

Forget about time; patience is my friend.

 

The world is under crisis, our external structures our changing.

My internal structures are changing too.

What upholds these structures also needs to change.

 

My coping mechanisms need to respond to instability.

My self care needs to work under uncertainty.

Self care is not enough; demand community care.

 

I am/we are grieving.

I have/we have experienced loss.

I can still feel lonely, empty and lost when I have plenty, I am safe.

 

Every day is different – I am resilient.

Every week is different – I am adaptable.

Every month is different – I am hopeful.

Written By Sabah Choudrey

About the Author: Sabah Choudrey

Sabah Choudrey is a renowned consultant, writer, and speaker. With a background in public speaking, writing, and therapy, Sabah is dedicated to advocating for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. Their work has inspired many to embrace their identities and live authentically.

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