I’m seeing a few people here tonight starting to struggle. I won’t be trite. Everyone’s quarantine is their own battle, and nothing I say will help. But just maybe, think about tomorrow’s dinner. You know that bottle of wine you were saving for a special occasion? This is it.

That old friend you’ve been meaning to contact? The moment is now.
The person you fell out with but still love? Phone them.
If we have learned anything, it’s that life is too short, too fragile, but also too beautiful to take it for granted.
Breathe. Be kind to yourself.

Give yourself a treat every day. A meal. A long bath. An hour listening to music. Make an appointment with yourself. Check in and ask if you’re OK. This is not easy, but it’s necessary. I look at it as a concerted effort to save my own much-loved life.

But I also have been isolating for a month to save other lives. I used to think I was doing my bit giving a tenner to a charity collection. Not going out is that x100.
Is it easy? No. It’s heartbreaking. I miss my family and friends so much.

But I also want all of them to live. We can hug later. We can eat and drink wine and toast each other.
There is no shame in loving your life and loving yourself. I’m rather fond of me, because I make myself laugh. You all do, I’m sure.
So keep laughing, keep smiling.

Our world turned absurd overnight. There’s nothing we can do about it except cry when it gets to us - but mostly laugh. Getting the balance right (and both are vital) will see us through.
Here endeth the sermon...
Mind yourselves!