But today I tried a splash of maple syrup on my strawberries this morning. A burst of euphoric sweetness jolted me with a smile after an incredibly satisfying bite.

Michelle made me porridge, with a sprinkle of LSA on top for some fibre, and a crunch of fancy vegan granola. She's been waking up early again for the first time since lockdown began over the past few days. Each morning one of us slides our bedroom door open hoping that there are golden rays peeking into our apartment in the freezing cold.

As I logged on at work, I tried to be humane and realistic with myself. I persevered through far too many hours of meetings and calls with many warm, comforting cups of tea. I didn't worry too much about my productivity or attempt to tackle the never-ending pile of tasks on my virtual desk.

Michelle and I ate McDonalds and Lord of the Fries for dinner, a dirty treat after cooking too many meals in a row, and enjoyed a silly video call with our dear friends whom were all exhausted like us.

We're all living in a prolonged blur, bunkering down and trying to keep ourselves moderately sane for the next while. Things probably won't ever truly go back to the way they were before; and nor should they. We deserve a more loving, trusting, compassionate, equal world.

But for now as I sink slowly into bed, back into this comfortable, hazy, thoughtless rut, I remind myself that it's okay not to feel okay. That in times like these, waking up and showing up is enough.

July, I hope you've been flexing some self-compassion and indulgence.

With love, Thomas

P.S. Thank you for stopping by and reading the second of my 2020 letters to July, where I write to the entire internet with empathy, honesty and a hope that you will be more open in sharing with your own community. I love hearing from you in person, over the phone or via an old-fashioned email. Drop me a line and tell me how you are, how you really are, and how you've coped with the roni.