“Humankind is made for uncertainty, struggle, choice and change.”
Tale has two sides & coin has two phases we all heard this line. In this metro life we were not able to stop, have to run faster as we can. rapidly we skip such things which we want barely. Many experiences are there that were not done in the past. We met many emotions, care, respect and real life. There were many untold stories which we were eager to know but did not get time for. Due to covid-19 we met a deeply with our self and close one; learnt many things which our parents or grandparents did in their life or childhood. As a woman we have had many good-&-bad experiences as a mother, daughter, wife & “Daughter-in-law”.
| Pros | Cons |
| As a mother/wife Creativity: With schools closed, the clock is not running & children’s lives anymore. Lack of regimented routine has left room for expressiveness and ingenuity – music production, creating art and exploring online coding. Kids are relishing non-curriculum books without the pressure of time. Self-discipline: Most children have taken structure into their own hands by self-made daily calendars with study, exercise and game times. It has been uplifting to see this early maturity! Family time and responsibility: Flexibility has allowed time for family movies, board games, help with chores and taking on responsibility in our dual-physician household (helping elderly grandparents or younger siblings). | As a mother/wife Confusion: With the sudden closure of schools, most parents were at a loss and ill-prepared, now forced to home school our children. There has been a steep learning curve for the students, teachers and parents on how to navigate the new world of “virtual learning.” Double-double: In most households, women bear most of the responsibility of keeping the house in order. Never has it been more magnified than during this pandemic. Even in most dual-physician households, women carry the brunt of the household work and the logistics of everyday homeschooling, grocery shopping, etc. on top of being on the front lines. Lack of support: As schools and day cares closed, most workers were still expected to report to work. Grandparents who helped with childcare were suddenly out of the equation as they tried to limit their exposure. Fear and Worry: Most workers’ biggest fear: bringing coronavirus home. they began wearing gloves and started the new ritual of removing clothes for laundry, followed by heading straight to the shower for a thorough “decontamination.” Worried children have been continually reassured that we take precautions so we do not get infected or expose our family. |
As a Fellow Human Being Kindness: The global suffering has led to introspection – being kind to ourselves and others and encouraging us to build bridges across geographical barriers. We are more sensitive to others’ difficulties because we are all in the same boat. Setting up mental health support groups, talking openly about stress, making masks and volunteering to help in hotspot areas are some of the kind gestures that sprouted out of this shared suffering. Humility: The philosophical side of life is the grounding patch. Humans are not indestructible and life is unpredictable. The pandemic has made these distant statements crystal clear for us. We learned that nature should not be taken for granted. Nobody would have predicted six months ago that the world will grind to a halt at the power of a virus in this day and age when mankind is proud of its conquest over nature. Remaining humble keeps us on our guard without living a reckless life – to not overstep natural boundaries. Financial: With the economic pressure, we have learned the value of prudence with finances and savings. “Save for the rainy day” is a timely proverb for these times. Also, it has opened people’s hearts to pursue philanthropy. Advocacy: Demographics have highlighted racial and economic disparities in COVID-19 survival and outcomes, giving us yet another reason to be instruments for change towards equality. Sometimes health care policies felt like they did not adequately reflect physician scientific views. The pandemic has reiterated the need for physicians to have a stronger voice in health care policies instead of being silent spectators. Renewed Respect. The world at large has recognized the selfless service of workers during these dire times. While we are not craving for laurels, gratitude kindles the service spirit. | As a Fellow Human Being Anger: Conspiracy theorists started coming out as quick as this pandemic screaming, “It’s all fake!” These “Coronavirus Deniers” think this pandemic is a hoax and have total disregard for social distancing. As most people quarantined at home, these people continue to spread misinformation, angering a lot. Social Isolation: “Man is by nature a social animal.” With the necessary social distancing comes its more nefarious cousin, social isolation. I must admit, I miss my family and friends. I miss traveling and eating out. This necessary, but still unusual, new reality can affect most people. Disappointment: This pandemic demanded a coordinated nationwide, if not worldwide, approach. With all the uncertainties, the lack of direction and necessary leadership has become more apparent, resulting in increasing deaths and failure to truly “flatten the curve.” Sadness: Seeing how fragile this world has become in the hands of a deadly virus, the world will never be the same even after this vicious enemy retreat. All the deaths, loss of income, economic downfall, global suffering and the uncertain future has left us… lost. |
“Sometimes it is hard to see the hidden sunshine behind the dark clouds. But, with firm conviction of hope, faith and time, the sunshine will brighten the World all over again!”
Written by : Grenisha S.
