Just like the situation was after the world wars, or phenomena that had such an impact to the entire globe, the costs of this Pandemic shall be mostly suffered in the aftermath and like it happened in those situations, not much normalcy about the social life will be restored as a result of the radical and permanent measures taken to ensure this or anything like this never recurs.
Everyone that earns now appreciates the value of saving even though some may have no idea when this reserve shall be exploited. Most of the people irrespective, have been beaten by this bug and cannot let this happen again.
That said, the value of family as the foundation has been re-emphasised as to some it was quite rare to catch the entire family together for longer than four days in one place. This thanks to this crazy pandemic, those with busy schedules have to not only had to find time for home but stay at home and as such not fit home into their work schedule but work into the home schedule. Gladly some children can see the true character of the person they call parent.
In addition, many have had to appreciate the point of having married their friend and not someone that fit the description of mate. They have got to spend a lot more time together this time than most did even while on their honey moon.
While some have always found a reason every once in a while, to step out “to breathe” many have realised that it’s all the same air and they have got to share it any way. The games can be watched at home, cheques can be signed and posted or even funds can be wired much faster online. Phone calls can also be answered while at home.
Apart from having a big desk some expensive crafts, a large panoramic view of the city, a personal assistant that keeps more of your secrets than your spouse, a laptop and chairs, what else justifies the amount of money you released for that large office space? Those that need warehouses and storage spaces can be excused (a little) but not the white-collar specialists. Is it not much cheaper to pay for space as and when you need it? most of those deals can be concluded on the phone or over a cup of tea. Which is a less stressful routine, is it not?
There is a list of habits that may never resurface. Everyone needs a warm hug every once in a while, the expression of affections had been reduced to a kiss, let alone a long list of cultures that embrace with a pec, a kiss or both, firm hand shakes and a lot more. People shall be more cautious with who they embrace, how and how much.
We always loved crowded parties, concerts, games basically most of the places where you would get to rub shoulders with strangers and not mind that much. How about after this pandemic? Are we still going to fancy diving into those inviting swimming pools, beaches, clubs and crowded places we once loved and looked forward to?
How about the convenience and freedom we all have had while sharing public facilities like gyms, bathrooms and transportation facilities etc, how much freedom shall people have with each other when faced with situations of having to share these facilities with ‘strangers?’ Guess paranoia has taken the pen from my hands.
Wait a minute! are we going to have to hold onto these masks and sanitizers like we do absolute necessities going forward for as long as the earth is left to exist?
It is human nature to despise the freedoms you enjoy freely until a cost is attached. Pretty much of the reason why this pandemic had weighed in heavy is because it has deprived many of those things, we considered free yet priceless.
Having been put in a place where neither money, fame, prestige, power, achievement, wealth and wisdom weigh pretty much the same, let us hope that mankind gets to rethink the value of life and appreciate humanity irrespective of the differences in race and/or opinion.
The lessons learnt from this far supersede those learnt from the advent of war as with this one everyone is affected directly. The only differences being proximity and magnitude but that also weighs differently on everyone.
For as much as social distancing spells separation of one from another very few or none are comfortable all by themselves. We are getting closer together and learning to appreciate the value of a concerted effort. Everyone has contributed something and this shall be seen in the results coming soon. Yes, I dare say soon because it is a lot sooner than many minds have foretold.
In the end, this pandemic has brought us closer together with much more ease than any sermon. No amount of pride or selfishness will count after this as we have learnt to appreciate the value of things as simple as a breath of fresh air, a long quiet walk, a warm embrace and most of all family.
One may also assert that while many were asked to stay in their homes, mother nature had a well-deserved break from carbon emissions and pollution of all kinds for the time some of the polluting infrastructure remained not in operation. The cycle goes all the way down to the streams of water, plants and the atmosphere.
I care about you, stay safe.
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