And suddenly, life as we have known for decades stopped existing. This world, this global village is turning into isolated colonies & buildings (albeit, temporarily), lift buttons and my face became sworn enemies, social distancing and self-quarantine added themselves to my vocabulary and hugs have been termed criminal. Fear, anxiety, despair, uncertainty are wrestling for space in our head. We have been made aware of 100 things that we should do and 200 things that we shouldn’t. We wake up to crumbling economies, mind numbing fatalities, gloomy WhatsApp forwards and apocalyptical videos. Unknowns scare us and everything about COVID is unknown; from its origin to its future. We are afraid and there is zero shame in admitting it.
In the past two days that I have had to myself, the seriousness has just set in. First thing I am consciously planning to do is stop the panic by forwarding messages on WhatsApp. In the midst of uncertainty, panic, regulations and advisories all we have are each other. And let's make each other strong by positive & verified news and not speculations.
Our relationships will carry us through black holes and right now, this is just that. Let us pick up those phones in our social distancing era and make use of that video calling feature. It made me realize how calming smiles can be even when we talk about the pessimistic numbers. Those group videos chats will engage us on quarantine day no.25 too. Let us head to our balconies more often and give a shout out to our neighbours. Ask them if they are ok, exchange a few pleasantries and assure them that we will be all right. Physically distance ourselves, yet bond deeply.
Our elders are vulnerable; physically and emotionally. The mortality rate in their age group probably stares at them. Taking precautions as advised is great, so is spending this unplanned time with them to connect and do things we have postponed for years coz of the lack of time. To them, let us hold out our little fingers to lean in.
Kids are probably unaware of the intensity because the atrocity of this situation escapes them. A few days of holidays, freedom from studies and a little more time for play may be their synonyms for the pandemic. Let’s actively engage with them, making them aware of reality. From them, let’s borrow a little optimism and relearn how easy letting go is. My son and I are currently combining my quest for minimalism and his passion for creativity in cooking!
People around us and even some of us will test positive invariably, lets us not weaponise it against them. Some of them will end up not taking precautions or not following orders, let’s not stigmatise them. We will survive. IT IS EVERYBODY’S FIRST TIME. Reach out to them. Dispel their fears. Quarantine our bodies, but open our minds.
This pandemic is only the beginning of our challenges. Only time will unveil the economic and mental well being disruptions that it will bring. Our preparations are hypothesis but let us bank on them and not magnify fear and isolation. It is OK to find ourselves incapable and if we do lets us reach out to professionals, experts who are capable of it. Believe that the Human race will always find its way to survive !
Like, Martin Luther King Jr., I am a believer of people.
Let’s put together technology, good old-fashioned friendliness, a few organisational skills, and a liberal dose of kindness (that is the secret ingredient!) and thrive through these turbulent uncertain times.
Yes, all of us are in it Alone, yet Together!
P.S: I am learning, adapting as days go by and new realities hit us, so please feel free to share stories of kindness, deeds of spirit and any cheer that your day brings along! #aloneyettogether, reach out to me on rejimathew.org@gmail.com
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