May you live in interesting times is traditionally a Chinese expression of ill will. While there is disagreement whether it is actually of Chinese origin (most sources say not) we certainly are living in them - see the somewhat humorous note on the door of my local.
The lockdown measures are certainly causing problems in many areas, social and economic, but it seems that any relaxation at this stage would increase the number of lives lost to Covid-19. Perhaps we are reaching the point where people are prepared to accept that?
I don't like siding with the government as I think their motives are questionable but while certain sectors are clamouring for reducing the strictures there will then be blame from others when people die as a result. It seems that Boris can't offer a solution amenable to all until an effective vaccine and treatment are available and that seems a long way off.
The problem is I'm suffering from survivor guilt. I realise how lots of people are struggling both health and wealth wise and empathise with people in dangerous domestic situations.
The trouble is I'm rather enjoying lockdown.
Yes, there's job insecurity: if lockdown isn't eased soon it's difficult to see how many businesses will survive and nearly all will have to change dramatically to continue at all. At 57 I don't fancy looking for a new job in the ensuing debacle. And yes, I miss socialising especially restaurant meals with friends and family but on the other hand, there's so many things to like.
For one thing, I am writing my first post in ages due to the fact that things are less hectic.
Some of the plus points:
* A break from travelling between Exeter and London every week to work and the organisation needed to manage tickets booked months ahead, rented flat etc.
* More free time - I'm now on a four-day week along with most of my colleagues and although rugby is off the cards and bridge is now wholly online (which isn't the same) I am reading more and delighted to start some of the more serious books such as a biography of Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson that was a present from nearly two years ago. I'm currently getting through about three fiction books per week. I've always been a big consumer of podcasts when travelling and, while there's less travel, I still listen to these when exercising or just completing chores. They are a combination of tech, language (Something Rhymes With Purple), economics (Freakonomics) and radio shows via the BBC Sounds app (Old Harry's Game with Andy Hamilton is my current choice for comedy)
* Family time: I am currently ensconced in Exeter with my wife, son and girlfriend (his, not mine). It's been a nice balance of community versus personal space. There's enough room to spend time on one's own as well as enough to form a quorum for games and activities
* Nature's recovery: it's amazing how quickly nature seems to be regaining ground (both literally and metaphorically). Cleaner water in rivers, less pollution over major cities, wildlife flourishing etc. If that can start happening after such a short time then surely we can work out a way to continue the good work when the pandemic subsides?
* Appreciation of key workers: especially health staff. Let's hope that continues when it's over and manifests itself in something more tangible than applause every Thursday
* Acts of kindness: many examples from people sponsoring Colonel Tom Moore to the tune of about £32m to neighbourhood delivery services run by volunteers (I won't go on about why the NHS needs to be publicly financed when it already is paid for by tax)
* Finally a silly one - not worrying I'll run out of phone charge :)
So should I feel guilty that so far nothing bad has happened to me while others struggle - or do I just make the most of a bad situation?