There is a saying, it is an ill wind that blows no one any good. The Covid-19 is indeed an ill wind. There is enough negativity associated with Covid to fill up a giant tank. The internet is running riot with it. We cannot open our phones without being assaulted by statistics that reduce humans to mere digits to be just counted, and then there are frightening images, heartbreaking graphic videos, etc. Yes, assault is the word, leaving some of us emotionally and psychologically damaged.
There are nefarious people who, in their vainglory desire, see the internet as an opportunity to gain their few minutes of fame. Knowing that in our moment of fear and panic, we are particularly vulnerable. They pose themselves as wise counsels offering advice and warnings. In the end, we cannot distinguish between scientific facts from plain adulterated quackery. Our heads spin.
To top it all we have evil men, driven by greed and thirst for power, choose to use this opportunity that we are in dire straits, to make a killing financially (pardon the pun) and nations, to further their geopolitical ambitions, weaponise Covid to attack their perceived enemy.
I refuse to be dragged down. So, away with all these pests and their dark clouds. I seek solace in the belief that every cloud has a silver lining. My friend who is beaten into submission by the situation, now that the Movement Control Order (MCO) is going to be extended for another two weeks, looked at me with pitiful eyes saying, “you are baying at the moon”.
So, I messaged a few of my friends: “Can you share with me a few positive things that Covid (unlikely as it may sound) brings to you?” I penned down below a few of their sharing.
Coincidentally, in a recent America’s Got Talent show, a contestant, a 30-year-old singer, Nightbirde, who is suffering a terminal illness and is given only a two per cent chance of survival delivers a stunning performance and received a Golden Buzzer (direct entry into the finals) from Simon Cowell. Her song was “It’s OK” and her defiant cry is “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy”.
Perhaps Covid is going to be with us for a while but here are a few assertions that “every dark cloud has a silver lining.”
The above painting is by my friend Amy. I have known Amy for over 20 years, and we never knew that she could paint. The fact is she has always been a cloistered artist. But lacking the belief and confidence she did not take her interest seriously. The lockdown in this last year prompted her to pick up her brushes again. With time on her hand, she can “awake the giant in herself”, to coin the motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins’ famous exhortation. I believe for Amy this is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. Thanks to Mr. Covid.
Josephine has always loved gardening, particularly, culturing orchids. But never somehow devoted the tender loving care that the exquisite flowers need. Covid stay-at-home regime gave her the time and with such beautiful result.
With the airline wings firmly clipped, pilot Adam found himself at a loose end. He took to a different cockpit, namely the kitchen. Hey presto, it appears that he is a good cook. He specialises in roasts. We ordered a crispy pork roll for a family dinner and it was good.
I am sure there are a lot more hidden talents that are driven to the surface by this Covid tide but to me, the most important is the profound mindset change. I just came out from an Annual General Meeting. It is that of a big organization with over 40 affiliated NGO member organizations. With the ban on face-to-face meetings, the only option is the online meeting. We were in despair, namely because the majority of the office-bearers of the voluntary organizations are of a certain vintage (that’s putting it politely). Many of the old dogs believe that it is too late to learn new treats. Even to register for the vaccination many have to recruit the younger set (sons/daughter/nephews/nieces)to navigate through the treacherous waters of the registration puzzle that our authority foisted on us. Gee, what happened to the idea of user-friendly apps. Never mind, let’s give vent to that another day.
Surprise, surprise, the seniors took to the online meeting, though not quite like ducks to water, they did well and the AGM finished efficiently on time.
This gives us much courage. We know that Covid has ushered in a new norm with zoom, google meet, lark, clubhouse, etc. going to be the order of the day and business. We are confident that we now dare to breach and bridge the age divide. Bring on the brave new world, the digital currency, the online transaction, the blockchain, etc. We, old and young, are ready for you! Thank Mr. Nasty Covid.