A person with a positive outlook is like a light that shines in this world full of uncertainty. He set himself apart from the boring people who always see life the same as yesterday, today, and forever. Someone optimistic wakes up every day with a warm smile, a grateful heart, and a firm belief that today brings hope and new opportunities.
Since the past two years, the world is suffering a global pandemic, wherein being ‘positive’ is a completely different scenario — a sense of positivity that you never want to experience, and nobody wants to be with.
Coronavirus is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If the person is infected, they will experience mild to serious respiratory illness, which can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic — the infected are the so-called ‘positive’. At this point, health is at risk. And no one is exempted from acquiring the disease. As shallow as it may seem, but by this time, simple misinformation can be so fatal. Technically, being cautious, hygienic, and vaccinated are strong preventive measures, but on a deeper note, prayer is our ultimate weapon because the enemy is invisible.
It was a global challenge; billions of people were in lockdown. We are left with almost no choice but to stay at home. Studying at home, working at home, attending online mass every Sunday at home — nothing but the corners of our homes. No one wants to go outside and encounter other people. Having the chance to meet our relatives, friends, and special loved ones seemed to be just a wish. This scenario lasted for more than two years, hindering the plans and dreams of every family as fear was everywhere.
However, behind these turmoil is an unexpected toast. A celebration that one wouldn’t ever imagine.
My mother, who is always busy at work and my siblings, who go to the office daily, were mandated to stay home. This resulted in an unplanned family bonding, where we finally saw each other at the table and prayed together before meals; then, I instantly had the time to tell life updates to my parents and the struggles I have been through. I always plan to do gardening, sewing clothes, and baking because it piques my interest, but I don't have the time. During the pandemic, I had the time to do the things I love.
Some of my classmates say they feel sad for not having face-to-face classes as our educational field trips became virtual tours and being able to go out with their friends after class became just a fantasy. They kept telling me they felt too bad for missing those experiences and opportunities. But on my end, it was the other way around. I appreciate this moment where I have lots of time to spend with my family. Even when we are with our family, we tend to overlook cherishing the moment. Sometimes, we become too busy focusing on improving ourselves, achieving our dreams and going out with friends until it is too late. We are blinded by the fact that our parents just grew elderly in order for us to be where we are now, and all they ask for in return is our time and gratitude. This global pandemic gave us a life lesson to redirect our focus on what matters — strengthening our relationship with our family. Needless to say, they are our greatest sources of joy, the fundamental unit in which we learn and grow.
A year has passed, and we continue to struggle with the pandemic. It saddens me to see relatives' Facebook profiles turning black to indicate the loss of a loved one. During this period, instances of depression are rising. The number of cases of individuals who are infected is continually increasing because the coronavirus is real, and it is not just an issue made by the government to instill fear in our minds. Here, I realized that health is indeed wealth. This quotation is so common that we fail to notice its true meaning. However, the recent pandemic has made us realize that no matter how successful and wealthy we are, when our health fails, money cannot guarantee us a prolonged life; only the One who gave us life. Everyone – from heads of state to ordinary citizens – bears tremendous responsibility for the health and well-being of others. It is time to consider our well-being and the wellness of those in our circle.
My nearly two-year experience of attending online classes and living at home has prompted me to devote my time and energy to the things that truly matter - those that will benefit me in the longer run. It is to invest in my health, quality time with my family, and strengthen my faith in the Lord as not everything we want will go according to plan. Unforeseen scenarios, like the pandemic per se, are already beyond our control, but it is up to us on how we deal with them — whether we will still find the best out of it, or dwell in the past. But nonetheless, I strongly suggest you look into the beauty of the dark, because only then can we really thrive.
Indeed, a positive outlook can be the brightest hope that shines even in the most uncertain situations!
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