2020 marks the year that would go down in history as the time when the world stood still for months. Who would have thought that reality would mimic apocalyptic virus themed movies? Life imitates film, imitates life in a confusing cycle. Rendering viewers at a loss, for which is reality and which is art.
The sad reality being, the death toll reaching in the millions worldwide. With fear, anxiety, and paranoia spreading like a wildfire in a dry forest. Even self-proclaimed recluses, introverts, and homebodies felt cabin fever after being cooped up for months. There’s something about not having a say whether you can go out or not. The choice was taken out of our hands.
We can be thankful that New Zealand is one of the few countries that handled the pandemic well. Still everyone was affected. Lockdowns were implemented to stop the spread of the disease. Many lost their jobs, companies closed after decades of operation and economies suffered.
More than a year later, many things are still unclear but one. Everything has a purpose. We may not know exactly what it is but we need to believe that something good will come out of this.
“Every cloud has a silver lining”
So, when I look back at everything that happened in the past year, I see that:
When some family members complained about lack of quality time, ample time was given to us, even to the point of complaint by some.
When we lacked time to do some long forgotten hobbies or even time to clean the house or do some overdue repair works. Time was there.
In other countries, when smog would smother residents and commuters due to pollution from industry and vehicles, reprieve was given. Study shows that, during lockdown air quality improved. There was also a reduction in GHG emission, water, and noise pollution. All of which may assist in the restoration of our ecological system.
Humans, resilient as we are, adapt and adjust to situations. No matter the level of difficulty, we find a way to cope.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”
The sudden increase in demand for disposable masks prompted many in some areas to make fabric masks, generating income in the process. Small business grew in numbers from buying and selling of household items, food to DIY of almost anything under the sun.
Then people started planting. All over the world, people began to plant, to trade and to buy and sell plants at an astronomical level.
Some may have planted to occupy their time. Others, to liven up their space, which they suddenly realize needed sprucing up. Still some, for the extra income. While others, to make it their livelihood after losing their jobs. Several, to be a part of the crowd. Why not join the rest of the world and be part of the hype? Whatever the reason behind the upsurge of people getting into plants we cannot deny the benefits it has given us and our environment.
It has also given some an outlet to release the stress brought on by whatever situation they are in. Personally, I have drawn some calm in the process of growing my plant babies. Our last blog mentioned that outward order and air quality could greatly affect our moods and outlooks. Now, we urge you to continue to surround yourselves with those that contribute to your strength, peace and joy. Planting, repotting, propagating and creating gifts may be mine but it could be yours too. Taking small steps to add to the positivity around us could make a great difference.
True wellness
People nowadays are extra mindful of their physical health. Indoor fitness programs are accessible in different social medias. Coupled with proper diet recommendations to go with it. But we should not forget that our bodies and minds need to be in sync for us to achieve true wellness.
Everything shall come to pass and even though most things are beyond our control we need to look past those and try to be positive.
And if growing gives you joy, allows you the tranquility that you need, then continue to do so. Because for me, in growing, we may have found a silver lining.