#SaraReads #GratitudeDuringCovid: Its OK to not be OK

Michael Jackson said “stop existing and start living.”
I feel this lock-down was about slowing down and changing our yardstick of measuring things. 

Personally, my yardstick of happiness, was being productive. 

I love getting things done and checking them off my to- do list, and then I love making more to do lists. I would see my friends doing 100 push-up challenges, doing various courses on Coursera, cycling every morning and naturally I’d compare their progress to mine, and felt like i was lagging behind. But I realized that this is pandemic, not a productivity contest. 

Some days if i manage to get out of bed after a sleepless night, shower and sit for my political science class, its enough. It’s okay to have a dauntingly long to- do list and not get anything done on it, its okay to not have a to do list at all. This pandemic has made me realize that its okay to not be okay. You can’t change this situation, all you can change is how you deal with it. 

Being privileged in your AC rooms doesn’t necessarily mean you HAVE to be in an emotionally better place. Grateful that you’re in a better place than struggling migrant workers and failing businessmen? Sure. But your 17 year old self doesnt have to take up the responsibility to heal the world. Today, if all you do is water the plants, watch the sunset and play cards with your family, its okay. Amidst all your luxuries and comforts you can still choose to feel discomfort. The world is healing in its own ways, you can heal in yours.