Reflection isn't easy but it's never been harder

Photo by Quentin Keller on Unsplash

Honesty loves a chase. If it can't catch up to you, it manifests itself into a transgression you must face: reflection. It leaves no stone unturned.

It’s a process often halted by the responsibilities we have, to ourselves and to others. To our jobs and the things that we hold dear.  

The beginning of lockdown saw me take a backseat. I was met with anxiety, neglect and distrust. In our leaders, in the world and myself. I tried my hardest to see a light at the end of a tunnel, that just kept on stretching. But the light never came towards me nor I, it. I had given up and lost faith. 

I observed how the lockdown affected my loved ones and wanted nothing more than to support them through this tumultuous time. Calls were made, letters were written, broths left stewing. The small acts of kindness were meant to uplift them where no good news was on the horizon for any nation. It was if the boat was in the doldrums and we would never get out. I contemplated how those in care homes or those homeschooling their children had it worse than I did. How frontline workers were deprived of the contact with immediate family members. It was a struggle no one had the answer to. 

With a little faith, the boat did eventually move. Day by day, my mood improved and those around me too. People’s faith in humanity was slowly being restored. There was no more animosity in supermarkets or on pavements. We were fighting the long battle together. 

My attention for writing was diverted. And rather than stressing and punishing myself for it, I took a well-deserved break that proved crucial. I indulged in the literary creativity of writers and poets. I was pacified by their words where I had none. I had to start slow. There were days where I wrote very little and most days nothing at all. But starting somewhere was the key. Starting somewhere has been the motif through this tough time. Just a little of something day by day, can and will change the outcome in the long run. 

With lockdown restrictions slowly lifting, the reflective perspective has shifted to social interactions. Will there be an awkward moment between me and the cashier? Has the paranoia gone so far, I continue to cross the street? Will there be more love, compassion and understanding in or hearts for our neighbours, or has it faded away?  

Like Mother Nature, we too can take a step back and enlighten ourselves and brighten up our communities in order to heal effectively from this pain and trauma. A universal tree birthed from a local seed. 

Together we achieve a better result. A better change. For a better world.