Living with the new ‘ING’s - 2022

By Poonam Naik

Coping, Surviving, Living, Adapting and finally Thriving – are my favourite ‘ING’s to describe how we all have been witnessing the new world order since 2020 when COVID situation changed our essence of old ways of seeing the new world and its ways. Nothing has been the same and yet we have continued to cope, survive, live, adapt and thrive – we have evolved over the last 2 years. Life happens and the continuity of living has been an essence and the biggest takeaway. First, there were snap lockdowns and restrictions – the new norm is to get all the vaccinations including the booster dose. 14 days of isolation has been conveniently narrowed down to 7 days and then continue to watch for symptoms, get PCR tested only after Rapid Antigen tests are done at your retail price of 15$ and up. Continue to maintain social distancing, wear masks, scan QR codes and test if you experience symptoms.

What did you do to live in the circle of ‘ING’s? The less social gatherings meant each of us had the time to pause, stop and spend time towards the inward journey and many have enjoyed a new sense of awakening and discovery. Some spent more time with the natural outdoors – hiking or walking or simply others have done kayaking in quaint waterways of this beautiful sun kissed country.

Some others have enjoyed either the more of the home cooked food or the menulog and uber delivered meal delivery services. Some have had the joys of relinquishing unimportant tasks to pile up and others have taken it as a time to organize things around the house, home office and the likes. Whilst some missed social gatherings, partying, and going out on the weekends, the other quaint introverted souls have made the most of these times enjoying the seclusion and more of the time to themselves.

Time was of the biggest treasure – either some had roles and responsibilities doubled or others had none to take. Some appreciated flexi work arrangements and others had to just go to work in essential services.

Some friends could not test the tides of the times whilst other made new, fresh, and adventurous ones. ScoMo too found a friend and another international mate in NaMo. There was beyond butter chicken and Namaste out there. Those pictures were one of my favourite ones. The latest one in which ScoMo is doing the Kerela fish curry is one of my favourite ones in the political mateship.

Whatever has been your game changer the past 2 years means you were a survivor and a winner in each and every way without any competitors and awards to be won and no audience to either cheer or motivate. You were your biggest cheerleader and the greatest award we gave ourselves was that of a life.

On a more continuous note, a Happy New Year to all our desi readers!!!