The Silver Linings of The Coronavirus

We can use the lessons learned from the Coronavirus to positively alter the future of humanity.

Coronavirus, COVID-19. You have probably heard these words in the last 30 days more than any other word. What it has brought upon us is unimaginable, isn’t it? Try grasping in its entirety how this virus has changed the course of our lives and the history.

Our lifestyle has been completely transformed. In the last few weeks most of us have experienced the feeling of being like a bird that has been placed in a cage. Wouldn’t you agree? Now let’s imagine that the Coronavirus crisis has ended (and it will soon!). The doors of the cage have been opened. We are ready to fly back out to the free world. We are one step away from crossing the threshold. Now stop for a second. Look back at the last few weeks and see what you learned and how we and the world changed while we were in this cage.

Didn’t you gain a newfound appreciation for all the things we used to take for granted? The simplest things. Warm hugs with friends and family. Being able to see your loved ones in person. A handshake. Going to work. Eating out. Going to movies. Going to concerts. Traveling. Having a drink at the bar. Playing sports. Taking your kids to fun activity places...Yes, even being able to buy toilet paper! The list goes on. Next time you are able to hug a person you missed so much you will have such an appreciation for that moment. The Coronavirus has taught us how to appreciate and be grateful.

You have watched the videos of people in Italy singing on their balconies together, to loosen the grip of desperation and to uplift each other. You have seen doctors and nurses all around the world working selflessly, risking not only their own lives, but also the lives of their families to save other people. You have felt the pain of those who lost their loved ones to the virus. You have cheered each time you heard of someone recovering. The Coronavirus has taught us compassion.

Remember how lost, confused and perhaps devastated you were when you were ordered to stay home? How about when schools were ordered to close? When everything you liked to do, wanted to do, couldn’t imagine not doing all of the sudden ceased to be an option? Surely you were perplexed. Probably everyone was. And yet, what did you learn? You learned to adapt. You learned new skills. You learned how to communicate virtually with groups of people. You came up with new activities to fill your days. Coronavirus has made us more creative.

You love to shop. You love acquiring new things. Perhaps you thought having more would make you feel better. Some people let money define their self worth, their role and status in the society. And yet all the money in the world couldn’t make a difference if you really got sick with the virus, regardless of how wealthy and famous you are. Look at how you learned to live without all the things you thought you needed. The true priorities have surfaced through. Coronavirus has made us less materialistic and more spiritual.

Did you read about the recent air quality reports from around the world? China, California and many other normally polluted places haven’t seen such low air pollution levels in decades. How about the pictures of the crystal clear canals in Venice? Weren’t they beautiful? Other positive environmental changes that have happened as a result of us staying at home are apparent. Coronavirus is helping heal our planet.

No matter what corner of the world you live in, no matter how rich or poor you are, no matter what religion you practice, we are all affected by the Coronavirus. Heads of countries and janitors, celebrities and bus drivers, old and young, American, Russian or Iranian, all the differentiating adjectives seem to dissolve when dealing with this pandemic. The truth of the oneness of humankind is shining through brighter and clearer than ever before. For the first time, at least since I’ve been alive, everyone I know throughout the world is going through the same thing. And I have LOTS of family and friends spread out through the globe. In its own way the Coronavirus has unified humanity.

It is evident that this pandemic is causing unimaginable grief. Thousands and thousands of precious lives are lost. To add to this, the relatives in most cases aren’t able to arrange a proper goodbye for their loved ones. Our prayers go out to all those families, as well as to those struggling for their lives. The devastation is obvious and its importance cannot be diminished. At the same time we have to look at the silver linings in each situation. This is essential to our survival.

We know this crisis will end soon. Let’s go back to that cage with the open doors. You are about to step out. The freedom of endless possibilities is once again open to you. How are you going to continue your life? Are you going back to your old ways or are you going to use the invaluable lessons you learned to make a difference in the new, post-Coronavirus world? The choice is yours.