Stars in the Darkness

I hope you are all doing well right now, and even if things have been pretty down for you lately, please hang in there. This is definitely a difficult time for all of us with the COVID-19 pandemic happenings. We are all being strained physically, mentally and economically, with some more than others.

Just two days ago, when the authorities suddenly announced that there would be a third address to the nation by the PM in two hours, it suddenly struck me how serious the situation has gotten. Although I have kept up with the media updates, the gravity hasn't been too weighed in since I still see some familiar faces here and there at times. Sure, we were encouraged to work from home, avoid malls, and keep our hygiene but it was not a lock-down. We could still carry on our daily activities with some adjustments. Life still goes on.

However, despite having many measures put in place, we still see a rise in local cases with no clear links. Instinctively, we all knew that this announcement would be unlike others, and 214,000 of us tuned in to watch the live at 4pm despite the working hours. It is now mandatory for all of us except essential services to stay at home, and he termed it as a "circuit-breaker". Not using the word "lock-down" is pretty clever if you asked me, since it would send all of us in a panic...

Anyway, although it can be a dark period for us, I see that it has brought families and partners closer. Being forced to stay in the same space and make do with what we have to tide through this, means that we have to be at least bearable to each other. Children who were studying or living overseas came back, and some parents may view this as a precious time to see their faces, and finally be a parent to them.

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars."

I believe that every dark period is there for a reason. Although we all love light, where everything remains ordinary, darkness shows us the bits of light that we may have forgotten to appreciate. Perhaps the world needs less pollution (which is working since there are much lesser air traffic), perhaps a family needs precious time to see and talk to each other rather than virtually across borders, perhaps a workaholic man needs a break to learn how to live life again.

For some, it could be a devastation to their businesses, and even their lives. If you are one, here is a quote that I hope can give you solace:

When the mind looks outward, it is swayed by the heavy winds of the world. But when the mind faces inward, we can find our center and rest in stillness. - The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

Know that this is out of your control at the moment, so lean on someone and find peace as you endure the winds until they pass. We still have many shots left at Life, as long as Death doesn't take us away. So hang in there, be safe and healthy.

Just to reiterate too: stay at home, and be socially responsible, not just for your grandmother, but others' grandmothers. Find creativity in your space; pick up a book or learn a skill online. When was the last time you have done any of those? Make full use of this period to do what you've always wanted to do.

Keeping my thoughts with you.

xoxo,

Claire