Best of Times, Worst of Times 

The past two years have been quite the rollercoaster for mankind. Loss has followed loss. The pandemic has cost people their livelihood, homes, and loved ones, leaving behind an unending trail of uncertainty and fear. However, with man locked away, nature thrived!

Whilst we grieve loss and chaos, we must not discount the gain. The pandemic years have, quite simply, enabled us to gain perspective, apart from the few extra inches of waistline. Our definitions of ‘superhero’ have changed to the Khaki-clad serviceman instead of the shield-bearing, star-spangled man. These years have been a harsh reality check.

But the million-dollar question is, “What would life be like if there was no Pandemic?” 

To which I have an uncomplicated answer —  life would still be complicated. 

Why? Theory of Relativity. The pre-pandemic life we thought was complicated; is the kind of life we long for now.

Before the pandemic, I was on the threshold of making a career shift from being a Corporate Secretary to a Media professional. Awaiting opportunities to travel, explore and do what I love. Although we won’t have to use sanitisers, masks and immunity boosters; Life without the pandemic would still have its own challenges. The news would still be the doom-and-gloom; however, our loved ones would not feature in them. We would only be shocked by increased inflation rates and not growing death rates! 

Life would be simpler, happier, emancipated and much more ‘regular’.

But,

It makes one ponder, would a life without a pandemic encourage one to scratch the surface? Dig a little deeper? Re-evaluate? 

Experience is the best teacher, they say. But adaptability is the best coach. Pumping one up with the courage to navigate through tough situations. Through this challenging time, I personally was able to gain a great many qualities- Independence, Self-belief, Unconditional Love and Confidence. Although I am not thankful for the virus, I am grateful for the lessons learnt.

To every great story, there is a moral. This story, whenever it ends, will resonate — No matter what is thrown at us, we shall overcome! For man has cracked the code to survival, all the way up to the top. To find the best of times, in the worst of times.