I have already lamented about the lessons that we should have but refused to learn in the pandemic year of 2020. However, there are many other lessons that we did in fact learn. The COVID 19 pandemic and the various stages of lockdown have had many positive impacts on our lives. The bizarre circumstances where families were forced to be cooped up together for days produced some unfortunate, but any other positive results. The coronavirus taught us a lot of valuable lessons:
Trends like the Dalgona coffee craze notwithstanding, we did learn to be quite inventive during lockdown; particularly with regard to food. Restaurants being off-limits meant that we had to create our own exotic dishes. Many who had never baked or made exotic dishes found that this was very doable. Some took up painting. Others taught themselves a new language or an instrument and found they were surprisingly good at this.
We saw migrant labourers trudging on foot; many travelling hundreds of kilometres. We acknowledged our own privilege and sheer dumb luck that we had a home, food to eat and bonus near unlimited internet! Some of us put our hands inside our pockets to help the poor; others volunteered with their time and some of us quietly helped out near and dear ones.
Some of us had to take a crash course in domestic duties. Being unused to doing the housework on our own; we discovered what back breaking work sweeping and swabbing are. We learned how tedious daily dishwashing is. Some were not used to cooking and found out how difficult it is to make the humble roti; the self of achievement that comes from making that perfect ‘phulka’.
We had a lot of time for introspection during the lockdown and we learned to value the simple things of life: a little flower that bloomed in a pot, good health, a satisfying meal, a bed, a warm hug. We thought of how much worse things were for so many others all over the world and we learned to value what we had. When we came out of the strict lockdown, we appreciated something as simple as a walk out of doors.
The coronavirus crisis forced us to slow down – no daily commute, no school or office to rush to, meant that we had more time. We learned that it is OK not to be supremely busy each minute of every day; it is OK to do absolutely nothing at times. Maybe we found time to read the books or watch the movies we’d been meaning to. Maybe we finally made time for the home workout or yoga session wed been promising ourselves for so long.
Some of us were surprised at how little we actually needed to survive; even be happy. Some reassessed work and found that they could work from home quite effectively. Many people reassessed their lives and their priorities; saw clearly what in life is really important. Maybe that foreign trip or the flashy car aren't important. Sound health and mental wellbeing of the whole family are perhaps worthier goals.
We improvised and managed with the things we had. If we couldn’t celebrate birthdays with loved ones in person, we did it over Zoom. We even learned to cope with the loneliness and restrictions and the stress of living with the ‘new normal’. We even learned to cope with lower incomes and to manage in difficult circumstances.
Most of us became closer with and learned to appreciate our families more. We were appreciative of that window or tiny balcony as never before. We found that it was possible to work, exercise, play and enjoy leisure activities at home – of course technology helped – a lot. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown were difficult but also a time for personal growth and learning.
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