by Chris Barker | Apr 1, 2020 | Uncategorised
I was quite happy in my new role today, at the warehouse where my employment agency has found me work. I was lifting big boxes containing 25 smaller boxes onto a pallet. All seemed calm and stable, certainty was present. An unexpected appearance by my boss and a...
by Chris Barker | Mar 30, 2020 | Uncategorised
My back seizes, ‘breathe’ my mind says… I take a deep breath and, on the outbreath, gently soften the bracing and tensing in my muscles… the spasm lifts and movement returns, I sigh! I started a new job today, part of the supply chain for the NHS. Twenty boxes to a...
by Chris Barker | Mar 29, 2020 | Uncategorised
I found myself having an imaginary argument with my new boss whilst in the shower this morning! I haven’t even met the woman or man before, never been to the premises, no idea really what the task is that I am going to do there tomorrow morning! All I do know is that...
by Chris Barker | Mar 29, 2020 | Uncategorised
Low mood is here. I recognise it, I have felt this before. I feel like I have no energy. I run through my options: reading a book, send some emails, write a blog, do my mindfulness practice – none of them appeal, all met with a sigh. My mind starts to generate another...
by Chris Barker | Mar 29, 2020 | Uncategorised
Looking at my open fire, flames leaping, wood crackling and furrows of smoke rising, I feel the gentle heat on the back of my hand, the side of my leg, my chest, shoulder and face. Sitting, mesmerised by the full spectrum of colours of a single flame coming from one...
by Chris Barker | Mar 29, 2020 | Uncategorised
Still awaiting the announcement, perhaps it will be in the next hour?… Still no change, could be at lunchtime… I will check the 1pm news… Still no announcement? Mmm… I will open the article, see if there are any clues… I found my eye being caught by a newsfeed...
by Chris Barker | Mar 26, 2020 | Uncategorised
Day 3 Lockdown – Feeling like a criminal! What will I say if they stop me?… I have no paperwork, not even a letterhead I can show them!… I know it is right, so why does it feel wrong? These were all thoughts swirling in my mind as I prepared to head out for an...
by Chris Barker | Mar 26, 2020 | Uncategorised
Day 2 Lockdown – Silence, does nobody want me? Knowing sustained unemployment due to Covid-19 would not pay my mortgage, I had spent the previous weekend dropping off my CV to various employers locally, but had heard nothing. Had I mis-typed my mobile number, was my...
by Chris Barker | Mar 26, 2020 | Uncategorised
Day 1 Lockdown – More manic than ever! An eerie feeling crept over me on Monday morning, knowing that all my now ex-colleagues would be heading into work. I was one of the 5 million self-employed, advised to stay at home. Domestic jobs popped into my mind like a bingo...
