Life in the times of corona
We have a 3 yo at home. In this life (ves?) altering time, we tried to explain to her why one can no longer go out to play or walk. I don't know how much she understood. But she seems to have caught on to the virus bit. The other day she was playing with her toys, reprimanding them to stay inside because there was a virus outside. Explaining to them why going out was not an option. How no one can go outside. I felt heartened and heartbroken at the same time.
Heartening that this 3yo got back to India a few months ago before COVID took over the world. Heartening that I am with family during these times. Grateful that I work in technology, which made my transition to the lockdown life seamless. I have not had to struggle for a single day trying to get work done, which deposits a fat paycheck in my bank account. I am still able to work out, manage work, personal life, added domestic chores, and get by without a cry. Of course, the initial anxiety for family and friends who are in different cities and countries had taken over. But once I had processed the inevitable that feeling also passed on.
Then came the data consumption overdose. In the first two weeks of March, I was reading and following everything related to the worldwide development of this pandemic. I became aware of how we are unequipped to handle anything like this despite the advances in various fields. Gradually accepting that - slowing things down is going to be the only thing under our control. In turn, appreciating people who can use humor to make it bearable. Appreciating people who are doing what they can i.e. everyone who is showing up to keep things running in various capacities. Appreciating and acknowledging that we all have a role to play whatever side of the situation we are on. Ridden with privilege like me or on the other side of the privilege spectrum. I now take solace in any positive updates on disease testing and vaccines, aware that there is no defeating this.
I am, in a strange way, heartbroken by seeing pictures of hordes of people trying to get back home and not have access to healthcare. I have lived in another country for a few years. The H1N1 wave had taken over that country then. I was again on the side of privilege. As soon as a vaccine was out I had access to it through my grad school and medical insurance. But I also remember feeling like an outsider and wanting to go home despite all that. I don't even have any meaningful insight into this situation. I only know the feeling of discomfort, every time I see or hear about someone wanting to go home.
To distract or move on I am trying to read and watch something when time permits. It's weird though it's apparently the end of the world and my heart doesn't want to watch anything new or not get invested in the book I am reading. I watched Mani Rathnam's Alaipayuthe (Saathiya in Hindi and the Tamil one is much better obviously) the other day. Romance in the times of corona, you see.
In short, life is going on. I have not stepped out for 7+ days now. Have been planning to get a run done inside the apartment complex so let's see?
P.S. Shall update as and when new things happen.