EMERGENCE OF PANDEMIC TO HUMAN LIFE

 

Photo credit to the owner Two Dreamers. Check her page at Pexels

​How have you been coping with the stress brought by the pandemic? 

Others would claim that since the emergence of the pandemic they preferred to stay at home. As some private and local offices temporarily shifted the regular work set up to hybrid and work from home (WFH).  And to people who are caught up by the pandemic at home, they would eventually turn to social media for information. 

In fact, these people who before the pandemic were already social media savvy are now on the brink of addiction without them knowing it. The opportunity to browse the digital network whether social media sites, entertainment pages, gaming rooms, or delivery channels has become even more accessible. 

During the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a struggle to transition the public to online platforms, as most would prefer person-to-person learning, work set up, meetings, and even social gatherings. 

 

However, as the public adapts to what others call the new normal it is now a challenge to take them away including the attention poured by these people to digital channels now that they have adjusted.

 

Truly, these social platforms indeed helped people get by from the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, but it has also taken them away from themselves. Others have turned into a shopaholic or someone who buys compulsively. As for the industry that despite the challenges brought by the pandemic managed to thrive is online gaming. Many if not most people hooked up to online gambling such as sabong, tongits, pusoy, and poker, amongst others. While as for viewing in the absence of cinemas has become easier as there are media channels like Youtube, Kumu, Netflix, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and many other platforms providing social entertainment.

Others would likely say these are all temporary, yes to some, that may sound true.  But most often than not, people who get too attached to these so-called pastimes overlook the essence of why they are doing it. That eventually it become their way of life. Why not instead of turning your extra minutes into adding expense to your monthly budget, you rather use these free minutes to a silent retreat, to communicate and feel the reassuring presence of God.  

 

Athlete and TV personality Gretchen Ho, publicly admitted that she is in self-isolation, not because she tested positive for Covid, but for safety reasons as many people close to her were infected. She said the opportunity to be alone and away from people that means to her is also an opportune time for quality silence and prayer.

 

Many would not agree with me, but perhaps, everyone is guilty of letting the phase of the universe take its toll on human life. The same reason also why up to this day, the Covid pandemic continues to be there poking at everyone as if asking to slow down as you ride the roller coaster of life

 

​​SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Photo credit to Kaye Romero 

Have we learned from the two years that the COVID-19 pandemic has been insistent in taking control of our life? How about the number of frontliners who succumbed to death in pursuit of their duty to the public? And those people you knew, friends, relatives, and even family members who tested positive for the pandemic? 

By this time, people must have realized that they have a shared responsibility to the community and the country in winning the fight against covid. That personal right must sometimes take a backseat and consider others such as your immediate family and the person around you including those you chance upon in simple transactions of your day-to-day life.

Imagine the likes of actress, model, and vlogger Ivana Alawi who despite a conscious effort to stay safe has recently tested positive along with her brother Hash and mom, and a lot more others such as actress and tv host Iya Villania and her husband Drew Arellano, as well as the singer Morisette Amon. By the way please click the names of the underlines it will link you to video information regarding their covid struggle.

But as many people would empathize with those who were affected, there are also cases such as that of Poblacion Girl who should be held accountable for incurring covid infection to at least nine people she acquainted with when she sneaked out of her supposed quarantine period.

Of course, no one wants to single out and isolate someone amidst these challenges but each one has to make a move to ensure his or her protection, as well as his or her immediate family members and the people in the community.  But how can you provide protection if you would continue to avoid vaccination and quarantine. Thus, making unvaccinated person a candidate in spreading the virus. 

Most people are afraid, yes, but let not fear overtake you.  Stand up and take on the challenge, and accept the vaccine because it would provide increase security versus the pandemic. Be the responsible person that you are. Think of your loved ones and the people around you and what's at stake if you continue to dismiss the vaccination which the authorities worldwide have been espousing. In Manila City the local government has open its door to anyone willing to be vaccinated. Let go of your fear. Act now because tomorrow is never promised.

 

REFLECTION

Credit to Serrah Galos. Please check her site.

As we go through the hurdles that 2022 will bring, perhaps it is also good to pause for a while and reflect. Reflection could help organize what seems to be a clash due to needs over wants.

At this time that the world has been living with the pandemic for the past two years already, there must now be a realization that life should be lived with care and meaning. 

While true that everyone is gifted by time but tomorrow is never promised. There are 24-hours in a day, seven days in a week, and 30-days in a month to complete the year cycle for 2022, and in between these periods one could either leave or come to life. Therefore, it would be good to know your sense of purpose, your mission in life because in this period of uncertainty anyone can go ahead of anyone. And for people living with uncertainty, they easily forget. Thus, you can either be forgotten after a month or you could be remembered for your support and what you have contributed.

So before missing the chance in this winding road, step up in putting extra meaning to life and living as not everyone gives value to waking up in the morning. This writer is no different to most people, as there are days that I look at life narrowly, and there are moments in a day that I can also feel the world, from their predicament to challenges. 

Truly, ordinary people are too small to do a quick change but if people would agree to make a common stand on how the people and the world should view and value life in this era, there is a chance to make it happen and instill change.

 

Plus if you will include God in your day-to-day activities it would be better, because with Him you can lift up all your troubles and worries (Jeremiah 29:11) that you can not easily share with anyone.