If you are a believer of karma and things happening for a reason you might find this a decent read. A controversial statement, but Covid19 is a blessing for the Earth, humanity and future generations. I wrote a piece a few weeks ago about alternative paths in life and how a constant state of happiness should be the goal, not just a never-ending accumulation of wealth, with a plan to enjoy it all post 50. Showing gratitude and appreciating life as it is lived because that is what is within our control…Now fast forward a few weeks…
A week into this Covid19 pandemic and we are literally living out the worst part of this movie, also known as The Game of Life. But it is just a part, I hope, and one which while being unpleasant to live through, should teach the world so many valuable lessons which are already being seen, that it can only be a blessing.
It is arguable, that with our generation of invincible ‘sesh heads’, and a society worked so tirelessly that there is barely a second to pause and have a minute to reflect on life, only something on this scale could actually cause meaningful, long-lasting change in the way we think. The negatives of this whole thing are everywhere and obvious but if you believe that in the universe there is balance….
1.) OUR PLANET AND ENVIRONMENT.
For years we have been destroying and polluting it.
Countless regeneration projects have been attempted with some recycling here and there but for the first time, as our industrial world comes to a standstill, we are actually seeing stars and blue skies across the world, and suddenly the air seems cleaner. Animals and plants are probably celebrating like crazy globally – it’s their time to party.
2.) THE ELDERLY.
Here is a massive wake up call for those who have neglected those that dedicated so much of their lives to so many of us.
Suddenly we are in a position where they are so vulnerable and we actually cannot see the majority of them. We are the ones that will live a lifetime of regret if god forbid anything was to happen. Spare a thought for those of them in isolation now, we are this bored with the luxury of modern tech and the internet – most of them don’t use it. What is their life atm? Pick up the phone everyday and give them your hours if you can. They will not be around forever. When the virus goes, spend time with them and give them the love they gave you.
3.) FAMILY.
For years we have been able to escape for our fun and in some cases, use these bonds and ties only when convenient and it suits us.
Living with them day in day out, we can start to iron out differences and actually have the relationships our parents and siblings probably only dreamed they could have with us. After this virus, heck I hope I say no to a night out with my mates to binge watch a series with my family (obviously one night out is a necessity first). Stay as connected and realise their dreams forever.
4.) OUR HEALTH AND MORTALITY.
Our generation especially, me more than most, live like we are immortal with no regard for our immune systems.
We think external health with gym and beauty is all that matters. This is a huge wake up call to look after ourselves, both internally and externally. It’s amazing that it feels like there are more exercising now, then when gyms were open – incredible when given time and our own choices away from being tirelessly worked, what we do with our free will. Remember the true joy (although sometimes pain) and LASTING satisfaction that exercise and health brought you, when you are chucked back into the rat race of life.
5.) THE NHS, HEALTHCARE AND CHARITY.
UK has always been proud of our healthcare system for good reason, but they have always been hugely under appreciated, underpaid and taken for granted.
It has taken something like this for us to recognise the true heroes that they are, and what they actually put on the line everyday, but don’t let it end here, they have to be paid more – they are our country’s most valuable asset. Yesterday’s 8pm celebrations of our workers on the frontline was one of the most heartwarming and fulfilling things of the year. Take what is going on in the US, the ’superpower’ of the world – there is a need for access to free healthcare throughout the world and this has to be a priority. It will take a disaster like this to show them that there is only so long you can live that fickle American dream mentality for – every man for themselves, money rules all – they will have to learn quickly. 500,000 including myself have signed up to help the NHS in whatever small way we can; nothing remotely like this is going on in America, they have the governor of New York and the president squabbling over MONEY. We in the UK are finally showing some gratitude and offering charity where possible. Charitable gestures cause deep, long term satisfaction and true joy, which, if we want honest fulfilment in life, will go much further than the momentary thrills we always seek to cover that hole. Let this togetherness and volunteering carry on long after the virus is gone, and champion the need for free healthcare across the world as a basic human right. Some things are bigger than money, especially Karma.
6.) DISCIPLINE.
We have never really been properly disciplined and hence we are the generation that doesn’t know the meaning of NO.
What sums up our privilege is that our ‘disciplining’ in a global state of emergency is to sit at home and watch TV, previous generations were called into battle and shot at on the frontline… even knowing that, I still find this so difficult, how spoilt are we? We actually don’t have a choice now and must learn the art quite quickly. Genuinely could be a blessing in disguise and could actually result in a lot more individuals, open minded to the thought of listening to the advice of those with much more knowledge and experience of life. If our generation had gone about things our way, we would have infected the whole country as we are from that school of thought where we don’t acknowledge something until we see it. I’ve always believed in optimism and a very very carefree attitude to life, and until now, nothing has taught or shown me otherwise – well I now understand why the older generations always preach caution. They are not fools. Let’s be more willing to take advice from those with experience, after this is all done.
7.) MONEY VS LIFE.
This has been such a humbling experience in terms of every part of society being forced to live the same, regardless of financial status.
Worked 40 years and saved £700,000 or worked 10 years and saved £8000, you are now forced to live in the same way and now people can’t hide behind the false sense of long-term ‘happiness’ money once brought. Experiences and moments will last a lifetime and honestly will keep you rich, even in times like this, whereas for the first time, a big bank balance can’t do jack. I’ve always had thoughts that if you keep making money, you can kind of mask deep questions of whether you are truly satisfied in life (I definitely did for a period). This whole pandemic proves what an unknown variable the future is, so like in my last piece, BALANCE savings and planning for that post 50 life, with living in the moment, taking risks and living without regrets of not having at least tried. The NOW is what is in your control. You guys have known my views on this for a while but question in everyday life how often you used to think about money, compared to now when we are in quarantine? For the first time in our lives on this scale, money suddenly seems kind of insignificant in comparison to actual life. Take a lesson when we go back into the real world; concentrate on happiness with day to day living because solely money, is fickle in comparison to real relationships with family and friends, health, and general well-being. Of course it will always be a necessity in life, but stop prioritising it above all else. Learn your financial freedom figure, and don’t make it ridiculously greedy.
8.) GRATITUDE.
We have been taking absolutely anything and everything for granted most of our lives.
This pandemic will hopefully teach us to appreciate even the smallest of things in life. We really needed this, because in our constant thrill a minute lives (me being the biggest culprit), we are always chasing new highs. Honestly, when I am abroad in places like Thailand or South America, what we consider quarantine, is daily life for most poor locals – they have their local business or trade which they walk or bike to, then they go home and have a meal with their family, maybe kick a football on the road – most don’t have money for eating out, cars, cinema, leave alone holidays. We just never understand how good we have it. Simple pleasures like meeting a friend for coffee or going to the cinema have been considered boring and passed up. People often ask why I travel so much and honestly, holidays are the peak of my leisure fun, but it is a far too high bar to set and sustain all your life. This lockdown will honestly help us all appreciate the smallest things in life again and it is the severe reality check we all so needed. Be grateful and thankful everyday after this has gone, that you can simply go to the gym, walk into Tesco’s and buy FOUR cans of Coke, go down the road and eat food sat across from whoever you like, HECK be grateful that you can shake someone’s hand!
The biggest lesson in all of this is that those things that we as humans are missing, are really not money related…the things that we truly miss and long for are simple acts of freedom, real relationships and interaction with humans, visiting and laughing with loved ones (outside your quarantine gang). We yearn for a dinner and drinks at a restaurant with close friends, not coming out of quarantine and getting your hands on the latest Porsche.
TIME is the only thing we are never getting back, not money, and this virus, COVID19, is genuinely here to save us from ourselves. But when it is gone, don’t forget and slip back into the race, without pausing for a second and reminding yourself of the humbling lessons in humanity this has taught you. Remember how good and wholesome charity and volunteering made us all feel, the complete and honest joy that swept through a nation as we clapped for the NHS should show you a glimpse into true happiness. Are you doing what you really want to be doing with your precious time on this Earth, otherwise what was the point in all this sacrifice?
Kush's World 