SETBACKS AND THROWBACKS

As we all know, from 2019 until now, these years of life have taught us great lessons. A lot of tragedies happened in a very short period of time. Even though we lost time, we gained a newfound respect for life, friends, and family. Appreciating life, little things, relationships, and many more Remembering now that we have come a long way, if we look behind us, people left us, grew old together, got married, had babies, and in between all of that, we learned and got to know ourselves a little better.

Before the global pandemic, we lived freely, going on trips, attending family functions, getting ready for next year, and trying to figure out our next step. Nobody knew that somewhere on earth the sprawling capital of Central China was hit by the pandemic, and soon we will be a part of it. Slowly, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on January 30, 2020.

Over millions of people died and suffered COVID. Office work has been shifted to home; education institutions have shifted their classes; people are more afraid. It is tough to return home during this time of year when people are battling between life and death. Doctors and paramedical staff with medicines and stethoscopes in their hands are trying to save every life possible. But during these times, people are still trying to keep their lives motivated and productive. People start new businesses, newfound hobbies, newfound activities, and even pages that keep us together. We need to keep going and doing.

A lot of things happen in 2020 around the globe: the COVID-19 outbreak, locust swarms and hunger in Africa, Beirut, Lebanon, port explosions, Hurricanes Eta and Iota, the Rohingya refugee crisis, the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis, the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis, the Yemen civil war, and the food crisis. Yet people figure out how to save themselves. From life-and-death situations to fire and explosions 2020 and 2021 have it all covered, and as we say, the worst year for us Family, friends, and even people themselves are feeling lost at this time of the year.

The government plays a major role in our lives, even though we say we don’t care. There was a time when we trusted the government and asked the question, "What are our government institutions doing to save lives?" People helping each other should be a great wake-up call to the government. Every election, we worry about how this person will make our country better. But in the end, we find ourselves saying, "We could’ve done better; this person should’ve done better." People are helping their country by putting in effort and finding what is needed for their loved ones and others. Social media has been filled with people helping people and asking for help. Humanity has a face. But sadly, the government doesn’t.

It's not easy to see people suffering from oxygen now and then. Remembering the days when breathing was just a part of life and now every single person is battling just for oxygen. Thinking of which, how can someone be that cruel to build a deadly virus like this that is killing people in our day-to-day lives? The whole day we live in fear and wear the mask, and at the end, seeing our loved ones resting right next to us is bliss that we get from following social distancing and wearing a mask the whole day. 

So, when you feel the wind is heavier and the sky is black, you pull yourself up every day. Every newspaper, newsletter, tabloid, and social media post is about COVID. I suggest that you don’t overwhelm yourself by watching the news, which causes trouble for your mental state. It is okay to be aware, but at a certain point, when things get messed up, you pull yourself up. It's great to see so many people coming forward for help and helping others in need. But while doing good deeds and creating new hobbies, keep yourself motivated too. We are all in it together; we will get through this.

Remember the time when it all started and everyone was creating new hobbies and finding themselves? Some are cooking, some are socially engaged, and some are starting a new business. And I believe there is always something to learn and do. Don’t overthink things that didn’t work out; you didn’t do them well. On days like this, you are doing it well. When we were kids, we thought about how cool it was to be a superman or superwoman, but as adults, it is important to be human first.

So buckle up; maybe it is time for you to concentrate on good things instead of bad. No matter what happens next, we are ready to face it together. Also, keep reminding yourself, "This too shall pass," and I am sure there will be a time when social distancing itself stays at a distance. Till then, keep your memories and loved ones closed and your masks closer.

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