We have arrived at a point where a crisp distinction between necessity and luxury is chillingly felt; where the difference between whim and need has become so crystal clear.
Many lives have been grievously affected by this pandemic. So many activities have stopped. Nocturnal affairs have become just a memory, one wonders when these will ever resume. For many, it is a welcome occurrence that these nocturnal activities have stopped, for some it is a battle to live without.
What used to be valued have become less valuable, like branded shoes and bags, jewelry and fashion, what with the daily wfh (work from home) scenarios, shoes have long been parked in cabinets; bags packed in yet another bag or hanging or lying around given not much attention. Fashion statements have turned to masks and face shields, no longer to clothes especially that all one needs is a decent tops for those endless video conferencing for wfh.
It’s a blessing that the skies have actually cleared of pollution, now blue on a clear day. Vehicles plying along the highways have been largely reduced and now bicycles are ubiquitous, one sees them everywhere. Bike trading has soared greatly and will continue to soar; bicycle repair shop business soon to proliferate in places accessible to people. Bicycles, non-polluting mini-machines are taking over the roads and are slowly dominating mobility essentials.
Many business are closing, and many businesses are opening- innovative, creative, need. For as long as there are people, there is business. For as long as there is a problem to be solved, there is a solution that has a potential to become a solid business.
It’s all a balancing act. If we can just look closely and observe the events unfolding, we see that this world continues to exist. It may be because there is still balance.
Could it be plausible that once the balance is no longer there, it will be a huge dilemma for people to face, and, when that time comes the fittest may be able to cope with it and maybe survive?
The challenge we are facing is not yet over, far from it. While we are in the midst of all these, what is the best way to live with this? There is no better direction than to set our sights on things above because that is where our hope comes from. Let us continue to live in simplicity, train ourselves to stick to necessities. This way, our life stays simple. What’s a better way to live than to be content with not needing much?
To simple joys,
Joji
