Light at the end of the Tunnel.

Hi there,

Hope you are all doing well.

Today, I received the picture below in one of the hundred Whatsapp groups I belong to. The picture is hard-hitting. Amongst all the complaints about boredom, feeling of imprisonment, no access to your favourite fast food etc. people have finally acknowledged the real issue.

The Lockdown is not really the same for all. Everyone is suffering but their pain is not the same. While some are battling mental depression, others are suffering from not having enough to eat and yet others are suffering from both.

The pain is not comparable. While the daily wage workers are not finding enough work to feed their families, the employees working in MNCs are anxious about losing their jobs. The situation of front-liners is even more devastating.

I wish to address the second category in this post as I am able to relate to them better. The situation of the first group is unimaginable and I feel really grateful to the government and many other social workers who have come forward trying their best to make sure no one goes to sleep empty stomach. One such group whom I know closely is here.

Today many are on temporary layoffs and several others are working on half-pay. Many have even lost their jobs. While these people might have enough to keep them going for a few months, they really don’t know how long it is going to last.

The fear of losing their jobs put together with the depression of being locked down in their houses and the fear of unexpectedly catching the virus is taking a toll on many people. For some, it is just a wave here and there during the course of the day while for others it is a constant nail hammered in the head.

To those who have lost their jobs, remember this is not the end. The world is once again going to be a better place. And when this is all over, you will have many opportunities to resume your careers.

Until then spend this time as though you are on a sabbatical. I know it is easier said than done. But you must agree that you still have a lot to be grateful for – your health, your family, your home. You can use this time to work on yourselves – catch up on your hobbies, your workouts and everything else for which you never had time before. Here’s a post on this topic.

Spend this time with your family. Your friends or family is not going to judge you for losing your job and if they do they never really were your friends.

People spreading negativity and trying to bring others down even in this situation do not deserve a place in your life. Time to cut off from such people. Trust me, you will be doing yourself a favour.

Also, remember, there is no shame in asking for help. Even financial help.

Talking about your mental issues, your depression or anxiety is also something you should not be ashamed of. There are many people out there to help you with these issues over a phone call or online session.

Block the negativity and welcome positive vibes with open arms.

For those who are lucky enough to still have your jobs even if at half pay, be grateful and try to help those in need. Call up your maid or watchman and see if they ate today. See if they need help.

Even the smallest good you do will come back to you in several folds when you are in need. Karma has its ways.

Above all don’t give up. Because no matter how dark or long the tunnel is, there is always light at the end.

Photo by George Becker from Pexels

Stay Home. Stay Safe. Stay Happy.

Signing off,

Ashwini

Author of Shikhandini

Featured Image: Photo by icon0.com from Pexels