Looking at the Brighter Side

Famela C. Aldaba

The world offers variety of challenges and as months pass by, it is almost impossible to patch things perfectly in time of adversity. The only consolation is that everyone does the same thing.

Everybody gets busy adapting to the current situation where parties are not allowed, friends and relatives hardly gather, minors and seniors are better off at home, work schedules are cut short, and freedom rules its modified definition.

As our country battles against the all-embracing disturbance rating our health condition, it gets harder to ignore the idea that all will be well in days-time. As the number of COVID-Virus infected people continues to increase every day which is becoming very alarming each passing day.

At home and in intensive care units, dying people caused by the pandemic has been a common scenario. Every act of physical contact, whether it maybe an expression of love or compassion could bring illness and death. One must take extra precaution in mingling with people around.

Looking at the brighter side of it, let this trying time teach us not only the don’ts in our New Normal daily routines but also some lessons to keep in our hearts. For one is the value of freedom which many of us discounted only to realize that at this stage of our lives, moving freely becomes restricted to all. Billions of people are in lockdown, unable to visit each other, unable to go to work, unable to meet each other in public places. We are in desperate independence.

How fortunate it is to realize the value of the people around us- our family, our friends and our colleagues. To be with them, enjoying meals or simply exchanging simple hello gives us the best reason to live and to move on despite all the devastating news we hear.

Prioritizing one’s health is an advantage, as they all say, “Better safe than sorry”. Disinfecting from time to time, taking precautions. Vitamin intake becomes a must for everyone. Adequate rest and sleep is not a luxury anymore but a necessity. Eating healthier meals not because restaurants have shorter opening hours should not be an option but a choice.

The consequences of the pandemic may be long-term, bear in mind the difficult test its lessons have taught us. Take precautions and always look at the brighter side.

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The author is Math Teacher II at Mabalacat Community High School