Jems Foundation encourages residents to have hope during lockdown
She believes that a disaster changes the world and one's view of it.
Ever since the beginning of the national lockdown, residents have had to adapt to the new norms of society. For many, the drastic change has affected their emotional well-being. Founder of Jems Foundation, Melina Singh encourages residents to have hope despite the on-going challenges.
“The impossible has already happened so what coronavirus can teach us about hope. Disasters begin suddenly and never really end. The future will not, in crucial ways, be anything like the past, even the very recent past of a month or two ago. Our economy, our priorities, our perceptions will not be what they were at the outset of this year. We have reached a crossroads, we have emerged from what we assumed was normality, things have suddenly overturned.”
She believes that a disaster changes the world and one’s view of it.
“Our focus shifts, and what matters shifts. What is weak breaks under new pressure, what is strongholds, and what was hidden emerges. Change is not only possible, we are swept away by it. We change as our priorities shift, as intensified awareness of mortality makes us wake up to our own lives and the preciousness of life. We were adjusting to the profound social and economic changes, studying the lessons disasters teach, equipping ourselves for an unanticipated world. If you are sad and frightened, it is a sign that you care, that you are connected in spirit. If you are overwhelmed, well, it is overwhelming. Together we can conquer. We will anticipate brighter days.”
“For people who feel safe at home, the isolation period is the best time to plan for the future. Try to be creative. We can survive all this. We have the strength. Soon, new mornings will come. The flowers will bloom and the streets will become active. The sun will shine more brightly. The aroma is fragrant. Dare the difference and the difference will deliver.”
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