Good Craic closed it's doors 21 March 2020. Covid 19 was spreading rapidly around the world and it seemed that the best way to slow it was to close down society and have everyone stay home. Now, on the 7 June, I am contemplating reopening tomorrow and reflecting on the last 2 1/2 months. How has it been for you? Everyone will have a different experience of this time.
My first response was to hustle, to do as much online training as possible and to really push online sales. I thought I'd be out trying to creatively serve the community more. But I realised quickly that I was tired. That in the face of an international emergency I didn't have my usual capacity. So I stayed home. I slowed down. I rested. I read books and watched netflix. I cooked food I love. I took the pressure off. As I did my energy started to return. I began to create. I designed and ordered a new 'Social distancing- Minus Craic' t-shirt and sticker. I began waking early with interesting business ideas. I began to enjoy the feeling of not having to be anywhere at any particular time and indeed not even knowing what day it was. I partnered with a friend and began to deliver locally made soap, flowers and chocolate. I found 101 ways to enjoy this time and chose not to worry about my business. The last week or two I've pressed in a bit more and tried to do some business planning, to look at the big picture and figure out what steps I need to take to grow Good Craic. I've been networking, connecting with other small businesses in the area. The shop has never been about me. It's about you- my customers, the artists I stock, the other tourism businesses, the locals of Rostrevor and the visitors to Rostrevor.
For some of you this time has been hard. You've had to keep working while everyone else is off. You've been overwhelmed managing your kids schooling at the same time as trying to work full time from home. You've had loved ones pass away or get really sick. You've been sick, afraid or lonely. You've lost your job or your business and had severe financial pressure. I'm sorry for all of that. I hope things look up soon. As we approach a changing point in how we deal with the pandemic take some time to reflect. Acknowledge what you are feeling- the good and the bad. Maybe record a few thoughts. 2020 is a year we won't forget anytime soon!!! I hope to see you soon and hear how you are doing. In the meantime I'm going to settle in for one last night of TV before I have to get back to work.