Issue No. 2/2020 — A Letter to the Human Spirit
An incredible ability about humans is our aptitude for adapting and envisioning a better life, despite the circumstances given to us. We might not recognize the significance but the stories we tell ourselves, especially the reoccurring ones, have a subtle way of impacting the decisions and actions we take.
Michelle Obama talks about the power of our own story, history, and voice in her memoir, Becoming (which I strongly recommend reading). It was a surprise for me to discover that she has a strong aversion towards politics and read about her struggles of being in the public eye. She did not ask for the attention and criticism of a First Lady. Yet, she used her status to address social concerns, made the White House into a welcoming home, and still managed to raise two loving daughters.
We are the authors of our own stories. Like other crises before this, Covid-19 is a looming hurdle we have to face. A fork in the road where the outcome is uncertain. We need to hold our ground and step forward with faith and courage, hoping it will be enough and we will be better for it.
Adapting to the new normal
Today, the world faces mass suffering and is in economic disarray. Limited to the four walls of our home, people are craving for social interaction, excitement, freedom, and a sense of normalcy. Even as Singapore and other countries begin to ease off their control measures, the question remains: what is life after 'circuit breaker' or lockdown going to be like?
I feel fortunate to be one of the few who can work comfortably from home. But for some of my friends, they feel constrained or worse, suffocated. If telecommuting becomes more commonplace, can my friends cope physically and mentally? Are they able to secure their jobs? Can people juggle between the responsibilities of work and parenthood?
Whenever my parents go out to buy groceries, my only comfort is to tell them to wear their masks, keep their distance, and wash their hands when they get home. A silent prayer, “I hope they will be safe.”
Picking up the pieces
With more time on my hands, it encourages me to reflect and think about my next chapter in life. As a graduate from the Class of 2020, I realise that I am entering the working world at a daunting and bleak period. I ponder about my capabilities and what I have to offer to society. At the same time, I want to look after and spend as much time with the ones closest to me.
Staying at home, I have come to appreciate the little things. The pleasure of a peaceful morning with my warm cup of coffee and reading a book or newspaper. The joy of going out for a quick jog or to grab takeaway meals for my family. Staring out my bedroom window and taking in the changing sunset and neighbourhood, wondering whether I appear creep-ish to my neighbours.
It’s funny how you did not recognize these things before. Although they were always there, they were passing thoughts as I went about my daily routine.
An unexpected activity that has exponentially increased my family bond is Mahjong. A delightfully casual game to pass the day, we engage in a battle of wits and strategy to win over one another. Albeit still at a losing end, under the tutelage of my mother, I am improving and having loads of fun. More so, I enjoy the conversations and friendly competition among the three generations in my family.
These past two months have given me a sense of what I cherish most in life—to form deeper relationships and develop more fully as a person. These simple moments are the stories that I want to share and, I believe, can make a difference in the world.
Dreaming of a better tomorrow
According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is about adapting to life-altering events and emerging from them stronger than before. We cannot expect our lives to smoothly go as we had planned them.
Everyone is doing their best to get through the Covid-19 crisis. No matter how big or small, we all have our battles to overcome and the ability to extend our help to people in need.
Though progress may seem far, it is attainable. With a shared commitment and small collective steps, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and society.
About the author: Darius Tay is a photographer/visual storyteller who loves capturing meaningful moments and uses photography to tell stories and find beauty in everyday life. If you would like to leave a comment or engage him, feel free to email him at dariustay5@gmail.com.
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