Billy Osogo
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we knew it heretofore. It affected every facet of day-to-day life. Essentially, it forced us to adapt to new ways of living. Who thought there’d come a time when you couldn’t morphologically tell the difference between a doctor and a clown because they were both wearing surgical masks?
Yet, as with all kinds of disruptive waves in human history (world wars, economic recessions, plagues, natural disasters, etc), we too, seem to be getting a handle on this. Needless to say, our brothers and sisters in India remain in our prayers.
As vaccines become more available in large parts of the world, a sense of ‘normalcy’ is being restored. Businesses are resuming operations as are schools, churches and sporting events.
Hence the raison d’etre of this piece. I have two questions for you today. They stem from assertions made by two different people, living totally different lives, in different parts of the world.
The first is Richard Donkin. In his amazing book, The Future of Work, he writes:
“No matter how successful it becomes in replicating our every day existence, the virtual world of the internet will never replace the vital, living, breathing sensory experience of human interaction.”
The second is by renowned Kenyan environmentalist, Wangari Maathai. In her book, Unbowed, she writes:
“Every experience has a lesson. Every situation has a sliver lining.”
Indulge me.
What is that one thing you haven’t been able to do owing to the COVID-19 restrictions that you look forward to getting back to?
AND…
What’s that one thing you are glad has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?