Fortun(at)e Cookies

We're very lucky to be in Australia at the moment.

We are still able to live relatively normal lives throughout this pandemic.

The worst we have had it is having to wear masks to the grocery store and we ran out of toilet paper because people were panic buying.

But other than that, we have been okay.

COVID is isolating us as individual human beings, which makes life hard for everyone.

Not being able to work, potentially losing jobs.

Not being able to get married, go to others weddings or even funerals to see our loved ones off.

Not being able to go for walks because you can only leave the house if it's essential.

But I want to shed light on the impact it's having on our mental health.

Even though social media and zoom calls are playing their part, loneliness and depression is at an all time high.

This picture was taken earlier this year at Jamal's business launch and we had to social distance the tables but that was about it but the reason I'm sending this email is because of a conversation Kiki and I were having the other day.

We were discussing the idea that loneliness is one of the most detrimental factors to our health than pretty much anything.

We are social creatures.

We need people to vent to.

We need friends to motivate us when we feel like we have nothing to give.

We need colleagues to laugh with at lunch break.

We need family to ask us, "are you okay?" (even if you don;t want to be asked it).

We need community to feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, that we have purpose.

So to be honest, I don't really mind if you join Team Brock Ashby at the moment.

I would rather you call a friend, zoom call you mum and dad, Whatsapp your Aunty or do whatever you need to do to get around people that love you because that is more important right now.

Stay safe ❤️