Sanitas

And it all started with Covid19.

After contracting the virus, only God knows how, I found myself with my own mind, body and soul. Isolated. In a number of hours, my life was like that rollercoaster, going upside down.

After leaving home and everyone and everything behind, I settled in a flat, courtesy of FSWS (Foundation for Social Welfare Services), for which I work as a Family Therapist. One of my first thing on the agenda was to plan my time, to use it well as much as I can, to use it to heal (even though I have no symptoms at all) and to keep supporting others in a therapeutic manner.

The idea of healing is close to heart. Holistic healing. Hulyev & Pandak (2016) say that the term ‘holistic’ comes from the term ‘holism’, a concept which probably has its roots in ancient Indian Vedic culture (“veda” in Sanskrit means knowledge), which existed thousands of years ago. Along the years and with changing cultures, other terms emerged, including salvus (safe, uninjured, good health) and salus (health, safety, well-being), both in Latin.

And this is what led me to the choice of term Sanitas, in relation to the creation of this blog. A combination of the above terms and meanings, translating into positive sanity of mind and well-being.

I would like this to be a safe space, not just for me writing freely, sharing and speaking my mind, but also for you to engage, comment, discuss, and enjoy the process.

I have to be grateful to Covid19. Sounds bad. But, yes, this is a case of looking at a challenge with a different lens, making an opportunity out of it.

My thoughts are with all those Covid-19 positive patients, particularly those who, unlike me, have symptoms and feel sick. My thoughts are also with those living by themselves, feeling sad, lonely and depressed or abandoned. I am with you.

My thoughts are also with those who are suffering in silence, missing loved ones, including their spouses or their own children. I am with you.

My thoughts are with those who are living in fear. Fear from contracting the virus. Fear from public places. Fear from meeting others. Fear from people’s judgements. I am with you too.

Words fail me when it comes to those I left behind me. Vulnerable family members. Loved ones. It is heartbreaking to just think that I cannot be physically around them, sharing life with them, supporting them and attending to their needs with care and love.

I will keep this going with courage and determination, aiming to encourage you also. Let us not forget that this will pass. Until it does, let’s promise ourselves to remain open to change for the better.

• Let’s keep up a routine.
• Let’s limit our social media browsing, especially on this virus and the pandemic in general. If and when browsing, let’s turn to trusted information and official sites.
• Let’s eat healthy, wash our hands frequently with soap and water.
• Let’s keep the recommended social distance and wear the protective mask and visor.
• Let’s make time for some exercise.
• Let’s keep in touch, spreading love, care and hope.

This is what keeps us in good Sanitas!

Heartfelt thanks to those who supported me in the very initial stages of this journey.

Gratitude to those who are and will be texting, calling and taking care.