The Virtual Handshake

Art by @theAwkwardYeti

Never thought I would start a brand new blog amidst a very Hollywoodesque, apocalyptic kind of situation. Usually, in those movies when the world is ending it is just the USA and we are nowhere in the picture. Some American regular damaged guy then single handedly rescues everyone and saves the world (American world)

If only...

Nope. Reality is that medical professionals, sanitation workers, police, grocery store owners, farmers, chemist shops etc are the real heroes. Multiple people across the entire planet. Regular damaged people are saving the world by sitting at home like obedient children. Working from home. Some are writing blogs.

Social distancing is necessary but it also feels isolating, doesn't it? How are you coping? I hope to distract you from the usual activities and provide some tips to maintain that, much needed peace of mind in these trying times.

Get off social media. If you really need to go there, just plan what you want to do. Download memes (best thing ever!), update status with something nice or funny, message some particular friend, take part in crazy challenges like saree challenge (mea culpa), share funny videos. Immediately post this, get off that social media.

Why, do you ask? Why not, I say! Isn't it bad enough that everyone is scared of dying and in this situation social media is being misused to spread political propoganda. Is this the time? Do you really want to get your BP high by reading stuff and nonsense? No, don't do that. Social distance from social media.

Yes, everybody is cooking these days. Very nice. Post pictures on Instagram, I love those. Food is the most positive thing, isn't it? Does anyone know how to make best food with limited ingredients? Please DM me 😊

It is frustrating not to meet people face to face, not work with your team and instead spend so much time on conference calls. When you feel lonely like that, remember those friends or colleagues who stay in this city for work, away from their hometown. Some of them don't even have room mates. They are stuck in their house all alone with nobody to talk to. You at least have your family around. Reach out to those loners over a video call, chat, laugh, provide assurance. It helps them and it helps you. We are all in this together. Sometimes, please call me as well. I will no longer refuse video calls now. See Covid-19 has changed us all 😁

Best of all, feel grateful. Perspective is important. There are multiple reasons to feel sad and angry. Dig out reasons to feel grateful. There is food on the table. We have so much time with family. We may get in each other's way at times, but we can hold them, speak to them, have meals with them. If someone gets hospitalised, God forbid, there are no visiting hours anymore.

Let's be thankful for the internet service which keeps us connected, informed and entertained. The telecommunication system which keeps us in touch with each other. The essential services which remain functioning to keep our society functioning. The essential service workers who continue to give their best to keep the social fabric intact.

Above it all, let us all make efforts to remain kind. Thank the store workers, milkman, sanitation guys, police, if there is a chance. Feed stray animals whenever possible, by staying within city admin permissions. Most important, let us all please stop judging each other. We don't know what someone else is going through and what their challenges are. Let go. Live and let live.

Just some last points before signing off:

Dear introverts, please stop acting superior about your natural inborn talent of social distancing. Share the tips, instead. It will help.

Dear extroverts, nothing - I repeat - nothing on this planet justifies packing your friend in a suitcase and trying to smuggle him into your house just because your housing society is no longer allowing visitors. Let's all remain objective here please. Don't go crazy.

Keep reading, keep watching online streaming services, stay focussed, stay safe. We will all conquer this together. Feel free to drop a message if you need to reach out.

Until next time!