Things I've learned from a month on furlough.
A thread

1 - it is not a lack of time that is keeping me from doing the things I want to do to relax, develop, or be creative. It is persistent anxiety around the covid-19 pandemic which I am responding to by busying myself and avoiding thinking about it.

2 - my work shifting/shaping org cultures and practices is just as valuable as campaign strategy work when it comes to change making. I have seen this as a distraction in the past, but I need to nurture this side of me as it will help me build better movements and strategies.

3 - I get so much energy and drive from my fellow organisers at @CharitySoWhite. I particularly love how we are able to challenge ourselves and each other to do difficult strategy development work and self-reflection from a place of love. They have made me a better campaigner.

4 - I need to find better ways to relax and switch off from things, because I am still so tired. Dealing with general anxiety around the pandemic rather then ignoring it and pushing it away is the place to start. But also need to work on being kinder to myself.

5 - I am still highly critical of myself and in many ways my own worst enemy, but am more aware of that and the thought patterns around that. It's a small but important step towards dealing with that and being less self-critical.

6 - I want nothing more than to run away to a field and not think about the pandemic, but whilst travel and holidays remain unrealistic I need to find better ways to find some form of escape.

7 - I have found a skin care routine that works for me and have stuck to it consistently for a month. My face feels sooooo smooth now. I have @sabashafi86 to thank for sharing her knowledge on skin care with me and helping me create a new habit