Covid-19: A harsh reminder to make the days count
We have all been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak in one way or another; major changes to our routines in the way we work, the way we play and in most forms of in-person social interaction. For some it could be to the extent of losing a loved one or being unable to be physically present during a family member’s final days due to flight or hospital restrictions.
With all the negativity this pandemic has brought about (and continues to do so), it has taught me an important lesson in making the most of the now. Yes, everyone knows we have 24 hours a day, everyone knows one day we will leave this earth. I knew that for years just as any other sane person would. Knowing is one thing but it is pointless if it does not translate to any action.
I am currently reading Cathcart and Klein’s 2009 novel Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates and their light-hearted philosophical study on life, death and the afterlife was a good reminder that with each passing day we are all closer to death. Life is an hourglass- every second that passes is a second we will never get back. (Or perhaps a more positive approach would be to think of each passing day as a victory for surviving through.)
With Covid disrupting many social activities and events, going into lockdown gave me time to reflect on these things. At this very point of time, the now, have I made my family proud? More importantly, have I made myself proud? Have I done my best? If I were to suddenly pass on tomorrow, would I be satisfied with what I achieved in my life? If my parents were to pass on, will they leave this earth filled with worry about me?
Now, this isn’t to say resting is a bad thing nor am I placing extrinsic worry from parental pressure as our central drive for success. We all need our down-time and everyone has a different perspective on what they believe are realistic goals for themselves. I’m not glorifying over-working nor stressing out to accomplish everything under the sun for fear of death. What I’m encouraging is to make the most of the present- we can’t change yesterday nor our actions ten minutes ago. Right now, this very moment, it’s in our control to decide what needs to be done.
While Covid has stopped many in-person activities, take advantage of the ‘perks’ it has brought about, for example more time with loved ones at home and the fact you’re (possibly) able to save travelling time by working/ studying and attending talks online. There’s always a positive side to things, make the most of it in your own way.
This doesn’t just apply to work. I’ll forever regret not taking photos with my course mates at university- I always wanted to take a nice group photo with my flat mates and the people I’ve met during my time at university before I leave. Or take a photo at the university’s entrance holding up my completed dissertation. Or to try out Lacrosse this year. Guess I won’t have the chance to do those things anymore.
You can’t control or decide many things that happen in your life, but what you can control today, right now, seize it. No more ragrets.
Time is what we want most, but what we use worst- William Penn
photo credits: https://www.browndailyherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image-3.jpeg
