Many people would agree with me that the pandemic has been increasing our stress levels. We had already been troubled by the extended lockdown. Then, came the news of the sudden demise of our two huge Bollywood legends. It gave us the shock of our lives. And today the government extended the lockdown. That was the cherry on the cake, wasn’t it?
Just when we thought, nothing could go wrong, nothing worse could happen, it did. Life came back at us, maybe implying, ‘Karma is a bitch’ or maybe because we always kept on saying that ‘life is unpredictable’. Well, then I think life proved our statement correct and would probably be laughing at us I proved you right!
But somewhere deep down we knew that the lockdown would extend right? We know the situation might not be improving the way we all hoped it would be.
I know you would argue that just when we are trying to gather up ourselves and try to be normal, something or the other happens to pull us down. I feel we have become mere puppets. Everything is gloomy, chaotic, and stressful.
However, I would like to emphasize and you would probably be reading this the zillionth time that we have to be positive, it is the need of the hour. Just like quarantine. It is high time. We can’t let stress beat us. We have to win the battle.
We have been locked in our homes, but our minds, soul, and heart don’t have to be shut down too. We need to break the ice, the walls of negativity, laziness, procrastination, and just come out! It is time we unlock ourselves and why not spread happiness and optimism for a change?
All I know is that happiness doesn’t necessarily come from money. It’s all about our perception. It is very much there in the small things that happen, an act of care, a call or text from someone close, gossiping with a friend, taking up that hobby, starting up that work.
Happiness comes in both small and big packages- maybe you trying to cook for the first time, washing clothes for the first time, revisiting old habits, taking up something new, doing something old; everything and everyone is a source of happiness if considered so and acknowledged and accepted as one.
I can just share what I am doing. My parents are taking care of the household chores. I have immersed myself in freelancing work and have been taking up online courses in different fields. Some of which I have no knowledge of and I am a newbie, some of which I do possess some expertise but learning should never stop right? It feels amazing to be with people who share the same fondness as you for a particular field, for me it is writing.
The magical world of days helped me sail through April. I actually do yoga every morning after I wake up and take up 30-minute dance sessions every day. Dance and writing are therapeutic for me. When my mentor from my workshop motivated me and appreciated my writing, I was on cloud nine. When my articles got published, I was happy, when my story got published by an online website; I was on the top of the world.
However, when these events didn’t happen or don’t happen, on those days, I was and I am happy about that the day went well, that I ticked off some items in my To-Do List. In short, I am satisfied and happy that life is moving. And well, I am also happy and blessed that I have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over my head. This might sound cliché but I truly believe this. In between, I keep on giving my mum flying kisses, try to strike some light conversations with dad, discuss the present scenario, the updates and my projects with them.
My heart goes to out to the daily wagers as they had to face the brunt of the situation and all we can do is donate and pray for them. And also for others who have been facing issues, either suffering from this virus or working for our lives go move swiftly.
Which is why, I am glad I have the basic amenities along with laptop, electricity, water, phone, internet, etc. etc. Even though I have my own share of problems at home but all in all so far, I am happy and don’t have much to sulk about. In fact, I don’t want to. I am trying to look at the bright side of things. I am trying to spend my time productively and creatively. I would suggest you do the same. It will help sailing through these days in an easier way.
This is why you should be happy and positive too. Unlock yourself while being locked in. When we have a challenge before us, there are two options- to sit and sulk about it or to step up, make efforts, and change it for the better. Well, I chose the latter. But I am sure many of you would agree that you are seeing yourself in the first category. If you are, then, I guess you know what to do. It is time to make space for positivity and happiness. We have to make the most of the situation at hand and beat it collaboratively. As the saying goes, ‘When life throws lemons, you make a lemonade!’ (P.S- I wonder we can make Mojito too provided we have alcohol at our place. Wink wink!)
In case you are searching for positivity, do read my earlier blog post on the same.
Link:https://garimabatrablog.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/how-to-stay-positive-during-this-lockdown/