I have a framed print in my office. It is a definition of Life, it reads as follows:
Life*
*Available for a limited time only. Limit (1) per person. Subject to change without notice. Non-transferable and is the sole responsibility of the receiver. Provided with no warranties and no guarantees. Instruction manual not included. May incur damages arising from use or misuse. Additional parts sold separately. Terms and conditions apply. Cost to the recipient [Priceless]
With our world in the biggest humanitarian crisis we have ever faced never has a definition of Life been so true. We all try to take responsibility by staying home and staying safe, we listen to medical experts and world leaders dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity, as no two countries are the same. Borders have shut and our world has shrunk to our nuclear family bubbles.
The one thing Covid-19 has provided is a mirror for us to reflect on all that we have, why we do the things we do, who we love and how we are going to get through this together. Through all the crisis the world has ever faced in history the truth is work, family, health, time and money are all important to a quality of life. Look at this time as way to reflect on the quality and quantity of energy you have put into these areas of your life.
Those of us that are not in a job or industry classified as an essential service, we will be blessed with an abundance of time as we live in lockdown. This for most of us as modern families is an unheard of luxury. The holiday feeling of not having set the alarm, not sitting in traffic, not dressing up for work, finally getting some chores done, eating more home cooked meals, reading novels, playing games, doing puzzles and being blessed with beautiful autumn weather has made this time rather special. Just slow down and be grateful for all the small pleasures.
The impact and reality of Covid-19 is going to effect every one of us directly or indirectly. For most households and businesses as we concentrate on reducing costs we’ll see some wastefulness and inefficiencies in how we spend time, money or use resources. This is a huge opportunity to improve the way we do things. Assess what matters and if you have an opportunity to extend kindness or charity to someone, please do. Let’s make this a time that look back on and have our faith in humanity restored.
Every day we hear the number of lives lost, it is another family that hasn’t said goodbye, person who has faced death on their own and doctors and nurses who have put their own lives at risk. The heartache is going to take a long time to heal. So what should we be doing as people and as businesses? Do what you can. What is easy for you to give? If you are a professional maybe it’s free advice, information, templates or consultations. A manufacturer giving free products to those that are struggling. A student offering services to collect groceries. Maybe just being a friend and listening.
So what matters…life matters. When we look at the Mahatma Gandhis, Anne Franks, Mother Theresas and Nelson Mandelas of this world it is very clear that one life can make a difference. And that life is yours. As they remind us in the airline safety demonstrations, put your mask on first before you help others. In time of crisis you can’t help others if you haven’t helped yourself. You matter…be kind to yourself. Stay Safe. Stay Hopeful.