If there is one thing this lockdown has taught us, it is to be grateful for what we have. COVID-19 has left us all in a state of despair, anger, worry, and uncertainty; however, it has also allowed us to pause, to breathe, and to reflect. In an instant, we can actually sit down, relax, build new and deeper relationships.
Before the outbreak, we have been so busy with our lives, creating mundane routines, meeting goals, rushing from one thing to another. But now, the lockdown made us feel as if there is no weekends and weekdays. Suddenly, our daily routines need to be revised.
In the last few years, we have become both close and distant with everyone. We can virtually talk with anyone we want, yet sometimes neglecting those who mean more. And now, for the first time in so long, it is a time of solidarity – we are all in this together irrespective of power, position, and wealth.
With all the panic and negativity surrounding us during those hard times, there’s always a silver lining. Here are just a few things we can be grateful for during lockdown:
1. Access to basic necessities like food, water and shelter.
Yes, we often neglect the basic necessities. But we are grateful that we have a home to keep us warm, food and water in our fridge to sustain us.
2. Internet connection; now also considered a basic necessity.
Imagine the lockdown without an internet connection. How can we connect with our loved ones?
3. Friends and family members to stay connected too.
This lockdown gave us no excuses to contact them, and virtually hang out with them.
4. Easy access to entertainment websites – Netflix, Facebook, Amazon Prime, etc.
For everyone who developed social media platforms and video streaming services, thank you!
5. Lower pollution levels and cleaner air across the world.
Due to the lockdown, carbon footprint took a drastic dip. This gave our planet its needed break.
6. More time to do things we wouldn’t usually do; e.g. declutter, cook, read.
Remember the things that have been on the list, but we just don’t have time to do it? Yes, finally we can start doing it.
7. Re-discovering lost talents.
Due to our busy lives and adult-things to do, we have forgotten about things that made us happy for some time.
8. Our front-liners.
Thank you to all our healthcare workers, policemen, and other front-liners who are constantly putting their lives in danger by working at these uncertain times. You are the real heroes.
This global pandemic has undoubtedly had an unimaginable impact on us and our loved ones. However, looking at the silver lining, we all needed that time to slow down and to re-think our behaviours and habits. We learned to appreciate everything around us. Most importantly, we learned to value relationships and our simple, mundane routines.
Hang in there, this too shall pass!
#staysafe #stayhome #savelives