Resilience during the pandemic: lessons drawn

Around mid-March, I started working from home due to the pandemic. Initially, I was keen to get regular updates about the spread of Covid-19 virus. Three months later, I have come to understand that it is not so much about getting all updates but more about absorbing what works for me. Because there is too much toxic information which, if coupled with a life that is already depressing, could shatter my hopes and beat the essence for why I live. I have come to appreciate that amidst all that is unfolding, we can still make lemonade out of the lemon. Below are a few lessons I have drawn which might be helpful to you as well.

My learnings during Covid-19 pandemic

1. Staying at home is an opportunity for self-awareness and meditation: to those privileged to work from home and/or sustain a livelihood from the comfort of the house, this season may have provided more than enough time to think deep about who you are. My family and I have been watching a lot more movies to get by our free time. This past weekend we watched a Christian movie called Overcomer. It speaks about identifying who we truly are. The pandemic has given me enough time to figure out a number of things about my life; what I want in life, how I want the  future to look like and importantly who I am. Knowing oneself is important because it helps set and stick to  principles and integrity all the time. If you have read the 48 laws of power, then you know how far integrity and honesty can go in claiming power. 
2. Staying at home is an opportunity to polish and acquire new skills or hobbies:  I have interacted with people who are doing amazing things during this period. I recently read a blog by a friend who has been perfecting his mastery in data science, or at least trying to take his already advanced skills to a higher level. I have also been in touch with friends and colleagues who are polishing up on hobbies such as painting, cooking food and coaching. There are people who are taking up free online courses from websites such as Coursera. Personally, I am working to acquire knowledge in French language - it happens to be a goal I had set for 2020. Challenge yourself to pick/improve on a hobby, skill, or talent. 

   

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3. Some will reap, others will lose: From job cuts, to decreased business activities across economies, to loss of innocent lives, to police brutality and massive loss of livelihoods, 2020 looks to have earned itself a title as 'the worst calamity of the century'. Globally, the death toll due to Covid-19 infections stands at 378,290 people as of 2^nd June 2020. Total number of infections is at 6,407,684 people with fear that vulnerable communities are the worst affected. It is  uncertain as to when we should expect a remedy with experts warning that it could take another 12 months to develop a mass vaccine should we successfuly go past the trials phase. In this same period, we have people who are lucky enough to have opportunities open at a time when all hope seems lost – there are businesses that are currently at their boom, there are job opportunities that have suddenly opened up and there are people to whom a remote work environment has presented the perfect opportunity to save on invaluable time wasted on traffic to/fro work among other costs. In short, there are too many odds to this season, but there are certainly a few positive things going on. As we know, life is not fair and thus we must live in full acknowledgement of this reality. Accept what life pushes at you and adapt where necessary. However, we must also keep alive to the negativity around us and the fear of increased violation of human rights in such times. Breaking the silence and acting now could go a long way to help unravel and fight such vices.
4. Save big time for future uncertainty: I consider myself lucky to have acquired fundamental financial literacy skills at the age of 18. One of the skills is the habit of saving when the sun shines. Unfortunately, I am risk averse hence does not have as many revenue streams. It therefore goes without saying that I basically fall within the largest population bracket (of over 80%) who rely on daily or monthly income to survive through the next day/month. During this pademic period, I have come to appreciate how much of a relieve savings can be no matter how little. When you have a few coins reserved for the darker days, you worry slightly less about a potential job cut, or the fact that the economy is in turmoil, things are bad and life is likely going to be more expensive as we stretch on available resources. Who would have thought 2020 would push some of us to be at the mercy of government stimulus support or well-wishers for survival?
5. A time to connect with family, friends, and colleagues: It is strange that during this period more than ever before, I have connected with and got to know colleagues from my department a lot better. This has been achieved through weekly team catch up calls where we discuss nothing about work but simply find out how each of us is getting by. I also dedicate time to talk to family members and friends. Those who know me in person know how terrible I am at phone call so this has been a huge adjustment on my end. I think the fact that restricted movement has robbed us of what we as humans are fond of – physical interaction, is by itself depressing. But thanks to social media and video calling tools – we have technology to embrace and thank that we are still able to check on loved ones realtime. Maximize on these tools because they exist for a reason; the universe conspired to have them right here, right now.
   
6. Switching off but choosing to selectively remain informed helps: ever come to terms with the literal meaning of the saying no man is an island? Well, this is it. In my calls with friends and colleagues, I have come to realize that for some of us, switching off from any covid-19 related news helps to cope. For others, being on toes and knowing what exactly is happening at any time works. In my case, a blend of both is a good dose to go. Reason being I realized I cannot completely shut off and pretend that within my confinement, the pandemic does not exist. Because it does all around us and may be here to stay a little longer than we wish for. I have learnt to fish out information useful to keep me going. This includes knowledge on the impacts of the pandemic on my work sector and how best to address them.
7. Find a way to remain relevant: As mentioned earlier, we live in a world of social media and digital tools. While using these platforms, we need to be aware of what should be posted for public consumption now more than ever. Be cognizant of the storm that many people are going through and avoid the use of irrelevant topics/comments that could soar fresh wounds.