Story by Sancia Campbell
As the coronavirus pandemic prolongs and frustration increases, it is easy for even the most resilient amongst us to begin to grow weary. The past year and a half has been debilitating for many. With the countless job losses and business closures, the learning loss in our children and the loss of loved ones, neighbours and friends — all resultants from the ravages of COVID-19, it is easy to have a population that exhibits a superfluity of emotions and responses.
While anger, depression and frustration are visible to many, the act of taking things and people for granted may not be readily recognized.
In the rush of shortened days, the hustle is on to get as much done as possible; and on ‘no movement days’, the time is spent counting the moments until it’s ‘open day’ again.
One of the most significant lessons from the COVID experience is the importance of social interaction. People need people to survive! Yet, in the larger scheme of things, people are usually the first to be taken for granted.
Popular online blog, Psychology Today, defines taking things for granted as ‘assuming, without question, that you will not lose something, or at least not lose it anytime soon.
While it is imperative to feel a sense of security and permanence about the things we possess, there must be a recognition that as humans, we are truly not entitled to any of the luxuries we enjoy. It is therefore crucial that we recall the words of Grammy Award winning Reggae artiste Koffee, and proclaim that ‘gratitude is a must.’
Particularly in the era of COVID-19, it is necessary to find those things, activities and people that enhance our mental capacity, boost our physical energy and help to release the happiness-boosting hormone, dopamine.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 11 #1 in a store near you.