PANDEMIC LESSONS

As human beings we take life for granted. Daily, we wake up and carry on regardless getting about with what we must do. The entire world changed in 2019 with the onset of COVID-19, which has not diminished but is seemingly becoming worse. As a result, all of us have had to think of our lives differently, watching the horror and sadness around us. Has it taught us anything? Yes, it has and many have changed their view of life. The sense of giving and cutting down on many perceived unnecessary things in our lives seem to be the thinking now.

I believe the pandemic will likely have a permanent effect on the way we work, the way we live, socialise and move about. The world will be different too.

I forwarded the following question: What have you learned about yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic and what will be the implications to your lifestyle after the COVID-19 pandemic ends? to an international artist, a fashion designer, a retired head of a company, a CEO, a voice trainer and child advocate, and a young member of the Tourism Alliance. Here are their responses.

I have learnt to be more grateful and resourceful. The lockdowns gave me some time to think about what is important and give them priority.

Business wise I have learned how lucky I am to have the team in Koswadiya. I have always known and told them so but realised this even more when I saw their commitment during the hard times. It felt good to see that and I told them how grateful I am. We understood better that we need to support each other.

We have lost a lot of good people to Covid, who would have had plans and hopes for the future.

I think the lesson to all of us is to do what we can today when you still have a chance to do it.”

DARSHI Keerthisena

I learned that my needs are much less and what brings meaning to my life does not cost me anything. Also learned that health and lifestyle of fitness is key, quality of friends and quality of our relationships are more important than the quantity and what society wants to see.

Most importantly I realised it is our responsibility to be able to support the communities who need help in any way we can .

We need to act responsibly to keep ourselves and our families safe.”

KASTURI Chellaraja Wilson

The pandemic has enabled me to find a clear distinction with what is essential and what one can live without. Such clarity on only what is vital for oneself can only come once you are forced to realign your goals and ambitions with the stark reality of Covid-19 and this heart-breaking time.

My main take back is to prioritise all my needs into high, medium and low, and address those needs in that order. All the risks and opportunities I was always willing to take, especially in work and life, have come to a complete halt. If it comes to pivoting or redirecting any of the businesses I am involved in, I will really think twice. My main take home from this pandemic is that caution and patience is key and it is essential to make a backup plan for everything because nothing during this pandemic can be predicted or go to plan.”

SAAKYA Ukwatte

I am taking buckets of positives away from this difficult time we have had to face, apart from the quality time I have got to spend with my sons, their partners and my partner.

We will continue to ensure we invest time in ‘family', making sure to block time away from our schedules, to spend time with each other. We also focused a lot on both our physical and mental health. Spending time on a strict workout regime and some work on our mental wellbeing as well. This will definitely continue into the future as the benefits have been so positive. The third thing is I realised how ridiculous my obsession with shoes and jeans were. I have saved a small fortune now and I never intend to give into that meaningless behaviour again.”

SARINDA Unamboowe

I have learned that I am an optimist and see the brighter side of life. I see hope and opportunity.

I have learned that I truly enjoy solitude. I have also learned that I do not suffer fools. And I am working on this!

I have learned that I am a student and a teacher.

I have learned to look forward with a new appreciation of life.

I now read three to four books at a time, all non-fictions. I have absorbed an astonishing amount of information. It gives me knowledge and perspective. That is the student in me. I am happy to impart my “learnings” to anyone who is willing to listen. What I have learned over the years, together with my perspective of the future, hopefully are of some value.

This is the teacher in me. I will continue being a student and a teacher.”

AJIT Gunawardene

I have learned that I am able to forecast the will of the people and the powers that may be well enough to change or adapt my income and consequent way of life without too much disruption to my end goals.

This means I am good at rolling with the punches. And spotting opportunities. There is always a way. There is always a choice. No one is truly helpless unless they believe they are helpless.”

KUMUDINI

David

Covid 19 has stripped us all bare and down to the bone, so that we seem to be left with only what is essential and vital. Personally, it has clarified how much excess and wanton consumption we have indulged in. Through loneliness, fear and grief during these bleak times, one is forced to turn to one's personal resources for sustenance. I am learning many lessons but the most lasting impressions are to try to accept change and loss with equanimity, resilience and strength. I have been challenged to understand the value of patience, of flexibility and appreciating minimalism and stoicism. Looking ahead, it seems vital to reflect, reframe and renew. Changes to our destructive lifestyle are long overdue and systemic imbalances need to be restructured towards a more empathetic and conscious relationship with our planet and fellow man.”

ANOMA

Wijewardene