Hey

How are you? Seriously, how are you feeling? I'm not asking as a formality, I really want to know.

Funny story - when I first moved to the UK, I always used to respond when people asked me "are you alright?" or "how's it going?". British people sometimes say these things instead of "hello", but I didn't know that. So I would start to tell them about my day and asked them how they were...they were long gone before I could finish my question!

That's not what I'm doing when I start my email with "how are you?". We live in unprecedented times and I know how important it is to check in with others and ask them if they're OK. We put on a brave face, but inside we might be struggling.

Last night Boris announced UK's roadmap out of lockdown and although the plan is optimistic and there is plenty to be looking forward to, it looks like I won't be able to travel and see my family at the end of March as I originally planned. You win some, you lose some.

Over to you, . If you're doing OK and hanging in there, I'd like to know. If you're not doing OK and need a few words of encouragement, or even to clear your head by putting it in writing, hit reply and get the weight off your shoulders. I'm here for you.

Take good care and speak soon,

Alisa