by PRIYA MULJI
IN LIFE you have to make decisions every single day. When there is an important crossroads, a key moment or a crisis, the choices we make become even more important.
The current Covid-19 crisis and subsequent lockdown is one of those moments in life where decisions take on an added importance. At the top of this list is, of course, following the various social distancing guidelines and staying safe, but the choices we make lower down can be crucial, including in relationships.
Those who look honestly at their actions during this suffocating self-isolation can likely divide what they have done into two columns of good and bad decisions. Stocking up on essentials, staying calm, looking after your health, staying connected virtually to loved ones and showing kindness are some of the things that would fall into the good list. Not following safety guidelines, hoarding, worrying, getting lost in negative thoughts, not sleeping properly, having unhealthy habits and not making an effort with loved ones would go into the bad column.
Getting in touch with an ex would also be near the top of the list in the bad decisions column and would be written in capital letters. Many, especially single people, will have had added time alone and this would have triggered thoughts of that ex. Instead of remembering what tore them apart, they will think of the good things and be tempted to get in touch with the ex. Don’t do it! Taking a step backwards is never the answer.
Appreciate what you have now and look forward to something better. If an ex partner has got in touch with you out of the blue, don’t respond. The right person will make you forget about what was left behind and take you forward towards a much better tomorrow. They will give you the kind of unconditional love and support that wasn’t there before, and demonstrate quite comprehensively that you don’t need second best or less than you deserve in life.
The lockdown is tough, but taking a step back will never be the answer. Look forward to a better tomorrow and have hope in your heart. We are heading towards a different world, but I am sure it will be one that will have more compassion and a place where we appreciate our blessings more. Those who are in relationships will cherish one another more and the singletons will meet that someone special, who is waiting for them outside the lockdown.
It will be a world, where we will all make much better choices in all aspects of life, including work, family, friends and love. And if you have made some bad choices in the past, it is okay, we all have.
The important thing is to learn from any wrong turns and make better decisions going forward.
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Migrants in a dinghy crossing the English Channel
Sunder Katwala
