Checking up on friends

There is a lot going on in the world, as always. The Israel/Palestine crisis, covid-19 outbreaks across India and the globe and giant icebergs calving off the Antarctic, all whilst we go about our daily lives! Living in a global world, issues and problems from far across the sea can find themselves very close to home. I find that university is a diverse, global space. Many of my friends are international students, from diverse backgrounds or from different parts of Australia. I have recently been reflecting on checking up on my friends and community. Many of my friends are in India or come from India and all I have seen in the news is the growing covid crisis in their home. I know they have family, friends and loved ones back home and whilst we are all struggling to get our assignments in, there is probably a bit more on their minds to say the least.

A message

I’ve been trying to reach out and check up on friends that might be going through a tough time. It may seem a bit out of the blue, but a check up on what they’ve been up to, how their family and friends are, and if they are okay reassures me that they are okay. Internally, I also hope that this small action brings them some joy to know some one is checking up on them and thinking about what may be going on in their world.

Checking up on myself

Sometimes whilst checking up on others and thinking about how circumstances and events are impacting everyone, I can forget to ensure that I am okay. It may seem a strange question to ponder in the muddled mess of my internal monologue, but I try to search for an answer. Is something occupying too much of my thoughts and worries? Am I sleeping well, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough exercise? If not, why? And if so, what could I be doing better? Once I have had a good think, I find I am often feeling better or have at least become aware of something with myself that may be out of place.