How do you stay sane at a time like this? When nothing seems to make sense and everything around you seems full of doom and gloom.
Even someone like me, who some say is filled with positivity, is finding it hard to find a silver lining each day despite the smiles and jokes that I have been hashing out daily.
I have been blessed with a great family. I am lucky I have a roof over my head and food on the table and all the creature comforts to get through the day. And mum to keep me company with her smiles and ability to churn out comfort food for me.
Work has been scarce since the start of this pandemic – non-existent is a more proper word.
Despite that, I have been taken care of. In fact, mum and I have been looked after well by my siblings who although separated from us, have made sure we have enough and check up on us often.
Having a strong family that has gone through so much this past few years made us a stronger unit, and for about four years now, I have been wearing a bracelet with the words ‘Everything Happens For A Reason’ on my wrist as a reminder of that.
We all need support. Even loners sometimes need a shoulder to help support whatever burden they carry.
I have seen naturally introverted friends reach out to their extrovert friends to lend support recently as those who are outgoing may find it hard to stay indoors for long periods.
Then some reach out to others on social media to tell anyone in need to give them a call, no judgment, no questions, just pure heart and help in any way they can.
People highlighting the issues of children with autism and how hard it is for them to cope, as it can be difficult to get them to understand that their daily routine is disrupted by an unseen virus.
Domestic violence survivors looking out for those who are trapped with their abusers, call lines for people who have no one else to turn to as they spiral into depression.
Neighbours feeding family pets left helpless as their owners are confined in hospitals getting treatment.
Avid gardeners putting out excess fresh produce from their garden so those around them can feed their families.
Groups of people making sure the elders and those who are immobile do not go hungry by sending groceries or donating their daily ‘coffee’ money to food banks so the homeless are fed.
In this current situation where things look bleak, I can see the beauty of humanity, the kindness of strangers and the care we all have for one another when we are trapped in uncertainty.
Yes, some are selfishly defying the calls to stay indoors, risking spreading the virus to others, but then many are unselfishly protecting those they barely know.
Malaysians are a resilient bunch. We can get through this together. We will make it all better. We just have to resolve to look at the positives and if you cannot find any, be the positive beacon for someone.
Yesterday after the news (Movement Control Order being extended), I felt a bit down and could not see the light but writing this reminds me of the great things that I have seen these past few days.
It has helped to open my eyes to continue to see the good, the rainbow through the dark clouds, the rain that refreshes the soil and soul.
Maybe that’s how you stay sane. You look around you at all the good and stay strong, pull together and support those in need.
Look beyond yourself, reach out and help to make our frontliners proud that we are working together with them to hold the fort in the background while they continue to fight up ahead.
Stay strong Malaysia, stay safe and stay home! Together we can flatten the curve.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.
