As I took time to reflect on what happened over the last two weeks, life has changed in ways that people could not have imagined due to COVID-19 around the globe. I still remember two weeks ago, on the afternoon of Saturday 21st when our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said these changing words.
“I have a very keen sense of the magnitude of this moment in New Zealand’s history and we did not take this decision lightly.“
“But we all absolutely believe this is the right thing to do. If community transmission takes off in New Zealand the number of cases will double every five days.”
On self-reflection I have observed the following three key lessons:
The most common advice people have been sharing is to have a regular routine and I have experienced that this works for me to. I structure my day by going for a run in the morning before work and appreciating the stunning sunrise that I get to see, and all the other things that are constant in my life that I’m grateful for. After work I try to engage in normal activities and a lot of socializing with friends has taken part over zoom; from celebrating a birthday to taking part in my local Toastmasters (Public speaking).
One of the photos of the day sunrises I get to see after my daily morning run
People and society are becoming more self-aware and finding core values
On Friday night while having a zoom catch up with good friends over a drink, we started to share the changes we had seen in our own life’s and the wider impact on society. As each of us started to share their observations some core themes started to emerge. That we all take human connection for granted and being with people. To re-evaluating what is really important to society and individual as a whole to meaningful core values of taking care of everyone and our environment that we live in.
Adjusting to dealing with the new set of uncertainties
Lastly, I have come to accept that when we are faced with uncertainty that the only way to deal with this is how one response to this. A quote by Viktor Frankel that was shared with me by a recent friend summarized this perfectly.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
I wish everyone a great start into their new week and to look after one and another and as the constant message we hear in New Zealand is, “Be kind to one and another”
Written By: Alex
Alex Kuch is a global speaker on children’s rights and adoptions. As a Romanian adoptee this is something he is very passionate about. He has spoken in Europe, Asia, Australia, North America and New Zealand on this subject. Highlights include have given a TEDx talk in 2018, and being the youngest co-research presenter at the largest adoption research conference ICAR6, Montreal.
He had an educational background, in international affairs and social sciences. He works in the fields of sustainability especially with a focus on social impact on community and youth development.