HOPE- Having Optimistic Perspective Everyday!
‘A pandemic’, its way more petrifying than we all thought it would be. The history of mankind has seen many daunting pandemics, few of them being, plague of Justinian (541-542), cholera (1852-1860) Asian flu (1956-1958) etc. Our entire planet is in the clutches of a deadly virus which is gulping the present and future generations all at once. The corona virus or covid 19 is one such appalling pandemics that the entire world is living through. It is way more alarming due to its newness. The virus is spreading like a wildfire and is burning the world down. It’s almost unreal to imagine that we all are living through a future history chapter. Well, only if the future is yet to come. With a total of more than 10 million cases detected, the condition of our world is as heartbreaking as it can get.
The only solution to it is social distancing. It is ironical that we’ve been fed to live in harmony and unity to fight against any situation but today, the only solution to this worldwide disease is to have no contact with your own species. It is tough for humans, despite being social animals, to be in a situation of lockdown and become completely anti social. The lockdown surely is psychologically saddening and monotonous. But as they say, ‘the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence’. There must be a positive approach to this situation.
Initially, it might be tough to be optimistic about this entire situation, but it doesn’t cost a penny to widen your perspective and thinking. Moreover, life has come to a standstill; it is almost like an interval in our lives. And we can do nothing but sit at home and keep ourselves busy. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing during this period of lockdown.. In the hustle of the world, we always complain that we don’t have time for the things which give us happiness. Now is the time when we can do what we love. For some it might be painting, for others it might be cooking, but for everyone it’s a golden period to rejuvenate. As the saying goes ‘’when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”
In situations like these, one feels grounded and privileged. This lockdown has made me realize the importance of basic things like shelter, food, family etc, the value of which would have been neglected in the normal course of life. Furthermore, this lockdown has taught me to have gratitude of the little yet the most significant things in life.
Having a roof on top never felt this huge a blessing. The daily wage workers and laborers who don’t have the basic means of living like a house and food, the ones who are away from their families and are relentlessly struggling in order to sustain a normal life are the most affected people in this pandemic. . I have nothing but empathy and sympathy with them. Having said that, it becomes our responsibility, to not cut their pay and give them what they deserve. Humanity is the basic duty of all humans. We must utilize it and help the needy. Donation in charity and in funds is also a means to fulfill our basic responsibility as humans which is kindness.
I have nothing but gratitude for having these basic elements of life. In addition to this, the lockdown has also taught me to be satisfied with what I already have in hand. The sense of privilege gets even more highlighted by comparing our situation with the less privileged.
Often, being busy in our work and tangled in our own problems we ignore our family and forget our roots. This lockdown has indirectly given us all the time in this world to spend it with our loved ones. This has brought everyone back to their ethics and values which were somewhere lost in the midst of the race of life.
In a crisis like this, we don’t have a household help like many others. This makes me realize the amount of dependence humans have on each other. We are so dependent on our household helps for everything. From cooking to washing clothes, we get everything done. These times have made me realize how important it is for us to be independent and get our things done ourselves.
Speaking of dependence, another major thing which has happened is the ban of certain Chinese apps and products. Viewing from the perspective of a nation, India has suffered a lot from this pandemic. India as a country has been dependent on China for a lot of raw materials, finished products etc. And the restrictions, so imposed have caused a lot of issues for the businessmen as well as retailers. We are all in a period of global recession. The headlines of newspapers are filled with disheartening news, ‘the falling GDP’, ‘’ crashing economy’, ‘crude oil’s price slump’ etc. The mortality rate has increased more than ever. The increase in the death rate is not only because of the virus but also because of starvation, domestic violence, depression etc. Directly as well as indirectly this virus is slowly destroying the entire world.
But like every coin has two faces, this horrifying situation can be viewed from a rose colored glass as well. When the markets and economy will be open in a full swing, they will have to be independent. Self reliance will be the only option for every citizen. This is what we call a full circle. We will have to go by the solution of ’ Made in India ’. This might prove to be a blessing in disguise for all the small-scale firms and industries. Self employment and entrepreneurship will be encouraged in the times to come. The country will now rely on the talent of its citizens.
On a brighter side, the world has seen a change in environment as well. The nature is reviving. Winter is definitely dark and cold, but we should always remember that spring is yet to come. And soon the world will be beautiful again, flowers will blossom, birds will sing and everything will fall in place. The skies are clearing of pollution, wildlife is returning, water bodies are becoming crystal like clear and so much more. The waters of Venice are now clear, lions are lounging on roads in South Africa and the air quality index is becoming better than ever. Even in this disastrous situation, there is still hope. Maybe corona virus is not the virus we all are seeking to eradicate; the virus might actually be a vaccine trying to eradicate the real threat to the planet-humans. Therefore, in my opinion, the virus is nothing but a planet reboot. It’s all about our perception. Is it a silver lining of a cloud? Or a cloud as black as pitch?
Overall, there is no contrary to the fact that this pandemic has caused more harm than good. But we also need to acknowledge the efforts of our front liners like doctors, scientists, soldiers etc, who have been trying to protect us relentlessly. Vaccines are being tried out, precautions are being taken. But as citizens, it is our responsibility to be positive, hopeful and careful. More than anything, it is important for everyone to not lose their sanity and diligently try to be optimistic. It is important to take care of our mental health and not stress about things which are not in our hands.
In order to aim high, the arrow needs to be pulled back and once it is released it reaches high in the sky. This situation is just pulling us back, now it depends on us whether to succumb to the pull or release ourselves and fly high in the sky.
Hence, let us change our thinking and broaden our minds. Let us all embrace the reality and move forward. Let us take this as an opportunity to reboot ourselves and our planet. And most importantly let us all not lose HOPE.
As they say, ‘the night would pass and sun would rise’.
We can only wait to see the beautiful sun to rise and the sky to be filled with a tint of red and orange.
About the Author:
Tanvi is a student of XIIth Standard. She is one of the star performers in her LSE Batch. She aspires to explore her passion into show business or human resource management & development.