COVID-19 Attitude

Someone once rightly said we don't realize the value of something until it's gone. 

We all are under lock-down due to the Coronavirus pandemic situation. A year ago, we took the outdoors for granted; today, we are itching to go outside. Catching a bus, going to school, coming home, going for a walk, hanging out with friends, these activities were in-built in our lifestyle. We did them every day without thinking twice. But due to the current condition of the world, we are faced with one and only one option- change in our way of living.

Going out only for the basics, wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing is going to be the new normal for at least a year. We will have to follow these precautions post-pandemic too. So let us buckle up for a lifestyle change because it is definitely going to take place.

These last few months have changed me for the better. I'm starting to appreciate what I have. There are people who are not privileged enough to have good sanitation facilities, nutritious food, online education facilities, and roofs over their heads. I'm lucky to have all these conveniences and more. Lock-down has also changed the way I used to take care of myself. 

I now realize how much of a gift life is and I am doing everything I can to maintain it. Initially, I considered the lock-down as extra holidays. After a point, however, staying within four walls 24/7 started making me sick and I suddenly couldn't wait to go to school, gossip with my friends, talk to my teachers, ride in a yellow bus, wear a uniform and tie a tie. No one is ever going to take their everyday lives for granted again.

The fruits and vegetables that I used to hate, are treated like gold now; rare, expensive, and not readily available. Doctors and health workers are being admired and given the respect they deserve. The virus threatens us all and they need our support and co-ordination to help us. 

I've also gotten to spend more time with the people who make my life worth living- my family. I've gone from watching Netflix to watching Ramayana with my grandparents. I've gone from playing Call Of Duty on my mobile to playing ludo with my sister. I've gone from complaining about my normal life to wishing I could have it back.

With all this free time, learning new things and pursuing new activities is something that everyone can do. We must understand that we're all in this together and every nightmare has an end. This one shall end soon too.