Almost three weeks ago we closed the doors of our beloved Lords & Ladies salon for – well, we don’t know how long. We started by letting ourselves believe that it might only be for two weeks but quickly realised it will be far longer. Of course it was the right thing to do but we still shed a tear knowing it felt like the end of something that we love and the beginning of something strange.
We have been staying positive and really trying to make the most of having flexibility with our time – something that we are not used to as busy therapists working back to back, with time management being a constant discipline. Online training, webinars and some admin have been ticked off of our long to-do list. However we have also really not looked at the to-do list so much and just taken this time to be more conscious of every day, realising that small (sometimes tiny) gestures of love and appreciation can go a very long way in lockdown. Like the wonderful ‘clap for carers’ at 8pm on Thursdays. Who knew that clapping in the garden or banging a pan with a wooden spoon on the driveway could feel so meaningful and so full of emotion. We all have friends and family still working harder than ever to keep the rest of us safe and well. To all of those people – THANK YOU.
When going on our walk each day we notice how many people’s front rooms seem to have turned into offices! Lots of laptops on the dining table just about visible through the gorgeous array of rainbow drawings. Let’s not forget about the many, many parents that are now trying to manage home schooling of some sort. We are following lots of mums on Instagram and having a good giggle at some of their posts. Take a look at a few of our favs… @theunmumsymum @mother_pukka @celestebarber @steph_dontbuyherflowers @victoriaemes
Although we know that some people may be using the time at home to learn a language or get a flat tummy, (wow to both!) it’s so important to ease off the self-pressure and turn up the self-love! Here are a few suggestions…
- A little more sleep – a basic for better well being but not always a priority with growing to-do lists
- Taking time with the regular things – reading, bathing, scrubbing the floors or scrubbing your skin!! It’s amazing how the stress levels come down when doing ‘normal’ things at a slower pace.
- Looking online at helpful, encouraging things, (not crazy ‘life goals’ and shopping!) We love looking at the encouraging words from local Psychotherapist Charlotte Braithwaite… take a look for yourselves… www.incouragecounselling.com/ @incourage_counselling_coaching
- Oil those cuticles!! We have the time so no excuses!
- Make a list of things you are doing each day, no matter how small, and how you are feeling. This time is going to be something we never forget and looking back on this in the future when things go on to be more normal may be an interesting reminder to ourselves to take things a little more slowly and appreciate the small things.
During this scary time we have felt gratitude, confusion, grief, but above all determination. To do the right thing and stay home. To reflect on what is important. To come back better than ever… whenever that might be.
We have left all bookings in the diary so we can ensure that we prioritise any cancelled bookings when we reopen. We will be sending an email to everyone once we are open again and taking future bookings. We are still checking emails so please get in touch if you have any questions.
We are regularly updating our Instagram with information so do please give us a follow – @lordsandladies1
Vouchers will have an extended expiry date. Once we know how long we will be closed for we will add that amount of time to the expiry date of your vouchers. They are still available to buy here and can be sent directly to the lucky recipient!
THANK YOU to all of our lovely clients – We miss you and can’t wait to see you again.
Helen, Amy & the team