I usually focus on technology to track our children when they are away from home. In our current state of social distancing and isolation there is little need for tracking. Most likely, by now you probably wish you had enough space between you and your children to need a tracking device.
Like many of you I have been keeping abreast of the current events, reading, watching TV and reflecting. I found an article on the internet–Fourteen Lessons To Help Us Carry On During The Coronavirus Pandemic by Bill Gates. A major newspaper published the article. Then learned the content was written by somebody — not Bill Gates. So, the newspaper retracted the article. The article was posted throughout social media. Yet, to my knowledge the author is unknown. The end result-I don’t know who to credit for the original lessons. That said, Fourteen Lessons to Help Us Carry On During the Coronavirus Pandemic sparked self reflection, aspiration for myself and mankind. I embraced some lessons in the article and found a blended version to be thought-provoking and inspirational for me.
Perhaps it will have a similar effect you.
1) The Coronavirus is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless
of our race, culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or fame.
Hopefully, we have leaned not to judge a person by their job title.
This disease treats us all the same. A much-needed helping hand can
come from anyone, even the less unexpected person.
2) The virus is reminding us that we are all connected. Something
that affects one person affects another. We are reminded that the virus transcends boundaries, states, oceans and countries.
3) Ideally, our temporary oppression and isolation will help us gain
insight and empathy for those who have spent their entire life in
oppression. Perhaps we will come out of this with the desire to be more
humanitarian and strive to lift the oppression of others.
4) It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how quickly life can slip away.
5) The Coronavirus is reminding us of what is most important – helping each other. Especially those without family and those who are immobile, elderly or sick.
6) It is reminding us of how materialistic we are and how, when in
difficult times we need the essentials – shelter, food, water medicine
and a lending hand from others.
7) It is reminding us of the importance of our family and home life.
We have been forced to stay sheltered in our houses giving us an opportunity to
rebuild them into our home and strengthen our families.
8) Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another.
9) It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. We can survive
without going to the barber, nail shops and beauty salons. And no matter
how great we think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill.
10) We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give
and to support each other. Or we can choose to be selfish and look
after our selves and no one else. Difficult circumstances bring out our
true colors.
11) The Coronavirus is reminding us that we can be patient, or we can
panic causing ourselves more harm than good. We can learn to be still
taking time to smell the roses or we can be anxious and bored.
12) We can either understand that the Coronavirus is not the first
crisis of this magnitude. And like other crises it will pass.
13) This can be a time of reflection, understanding and growth or it
can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn
the lessons meant for us.
14) It is reminding us that life is cyclical, and this is just a
phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass.
Covid-19 can be a
new beginning if we reflect, grow and seize the opportunity. I see it
as a potential catalyst for giving, creativity and invention.