Some say that life will never be the same again, that we’ll
forever be haunted by the tragic loss of life, untold suffering, mental
anguish, diminished economic prosperity, curtailment of basic human freedoms
and so much more. On the other hand, what’s unfolding as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic is a reawakened sense of life’s meaning and purpose,
recognition of our hidden strengths, and willingness to tap into our core goodness
and generosity. We are learning a lot about ourselves, which benefits everyone.
Learning to Quickly
Adapt
There is no doubt that what the world is experiencing is a
reality that no one could have anticipated. Despite the fact that some in the
medical community and those who’ve extensively researched viruses and past
pandemics provided warnings of collective ill-preparedness for any pandemic of
the magnitude of COVID-19, most people went about their lives unconcerned about
potential catastrophic and widespread illness and death.
Now, however, since there is a new reality forcing a
reassessment of how to live everyday life while maintaining social distancing,
businesses, factories and public and private places closed, we’re learning to
quickly adapt. Long-held habits changed overnight. Commutes evaporated,
replaced by the recommendation to stay in place.
Rediscovering Our
Humanity
While there are instances of hoarding, selfishness, greed
and isolated crime, most people are united in a common bond: We are facing the
pandemic, doing what we must to survive, and pledging to work tirelessly to
find solutions to universally-experienced problems. In the process, we’re
rediscovering our humanity.
Adopting Technology
at an Accelerated Rate
From online business meetings to being able to connect
in-person and live with family members, loved ones and friends, we’re adopting
technology at an accelerated rate. Social media networks, long a technological
tool for connection, are even more important during a time when people are
inside for weeks at a time.
Mobile and online ordering for curbside pickup of staples,
food, meals and medicines is rapidly becoming the go-to way for people world
over to conveniently and safely get what they need on an immediate basis.
There’s a measure of confidence in adopting technology for these purposes,
since it means we’re not going to starve, run out of toilet paper, or
much-needed medicine.
Discovering We are
Resilient
No one knows when the threat of the COVID-19 virus will
subside, or if it will resurface again, perhaps seasonally, or undergo
mutations that could be even more deadly. There is an unwavering focus
on developing effective treatment medications and vaccines to combat
coronavirus. Dealing with such uncertainty calls into question our personal and
collective ability to bounce back. Yet, in the face of the crisis, we have
discovered just how resilient we are. We have strengths we took for granted,
and courage that we didn’t know we possessed. Recognize that resilience is
a strength that can be cultivated, and can then serve as a reservoir to utilize
as needed.
Repurposing
factories, tools and processes to meet urgent medical needs.
From the automakers to plastics-makers to tobacco
companies and virtually every type of business with machinery, equipment, and
the processes and know-how to jumpstart an entirely new model, we’re
repurposing assembly lines, retooling equipment and revamping processes to meet
the country’s most urgent medical needs. These include making ventilators, surgical
masks, gowns, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPEs) so
desperately needed by front-line medical personnel, first responders, police
officers, and others serving a citizenry affected with coronavirus.
Becoming More
Generous
Parents raising their children at home during this
challenging time can impart invaluable lessons about the importance of
generosity by serving as examples. Put together shelf-stable items such as
canned goods, flour and baking items, spices, condiments, packaged milk and
other staples and deliver them to the doorstep of someone who’s unable to get
out and shop, or may be ill, or is scrimping just to buy food. People are also
showing their increasing generosity by donating money online, funding critical
resources for disadvantaged individuals. In times of calamities and natural
disasters, people have always stepped up to the challenge, yet the COVID-19
pandemic is proving just how generous this nation’s inhabitants can be.
Realizing Life Is
Precious
A recent story about a couple married 51 years,
contracted the coronavirus and died within minutes of each other showcases
how quickly life can be snuffed out. The two were in good health until the
husband, aged 74, came down with a cough, developed breathing problems and had
to be hospitalized, diagnosed with COVID-19 and was intubated. His wife, aged
72, wracked by stress, became ill and her condition progressively worsened.
When doctors told their son his dad didn’t have long to live, he took his
mother to the hospital where she was tested, proved positive for coronavirus,
and put the couple together in the same hospital room. She died within six
minutes of her husband.
No matter how well you feel at the moment, follow #WorldHealthOrganization on
the COVID-19 virus to take precautions and stay home, only venturing out
with proper face mask, gloves, maintaining the minimum social distancing
guidelines. Send one person to the store for food, instead of shopping
together. The least contact with others outside the home as possible is the
best practice.
While no one knows how long they’ll live, everyone can
recognize how precious life is — every second of it.
Living in the Moment
Now, more than ever, we’re keenly aware that this moment is
what we have. This is what is real, the here and now. There’s less time spent
dwelling on the past and no reason to engage in endless self-berating,
constantly recycling negative and painful memories. We must find constructive
things to do, make plans and encourage each other to enjoy today.
Reconnecting with
Family and Loved Ones
Granted, living in close proximity indoors takes its toll
and familial arguments are unavoidable at times. Yet, even with the fact that
staying inside is somewhat claustrophobic and emotions can be overwhelming in
some instances, we’ve found ways to reconnect with family and loved ones — even
those living in the same house. There’s more time to talk with each other at
the kitchen table, while doing chores in the yard and around the house, helping
each other prepare meals, clean up, watch favorite shows and movies on TV.
Communicating with family and loved ones honestly and
lovingly at this time is more important than ever. For those suffering
with anxiety and depression, providing reassurance and support is
crucial. Indeed, coping with anxiety now demands attention. Ensuring
uninterrupted contact with that person’s therapist via phone, telehealth
visits, email, instant messaging is another way to show your love and support.
Learning Perspective
Things that once were annoying and stress-producing may now
seem largely irrelevant. Personal peeves about a co-worker’s behavior or
workplace habits are perhaps a distant memory. What siblings and family members
argued about prior to COVID-19 have little bearing on what everyone is going
through now. In essence, people globally are learning perspective, as what is
really important becomes abundantly clear: each other. #StopCoronavirus #Hope
#Strength #StrongerTogether #Humanity #Resilient #SDG3 #SDGs #Generosity
#Goodness #courageous #humanityfirst #humanspirit #spreadlove #humankind
#spreadpositivity #bebold #poverty #humanityandinclusivity
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