It is no secret that the world right now is different from what it was a few moments ago. However, now the context has changed. While that statement was used in context of an environment comprising technology, globalization and socio-political facets, it is now being used in relation to COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus. The world is going through a phenomenon unknown to this generation.

With coronavirus threats, implications and precautions being the only news that one is being subjected, it’s understandably easy to feel that the world and humanity is in fact, coming to an end. Pleas of self-imposed quarantine from our European neighbors ringing true in our ears every single day, the world does not feel like a pleasant place right now.

However, it’s important to look at a phenomenon such as this in perspective. Taking a brief look at our world’s history, it is no secret that each generation goes through quite literally a world changing event or in some cases, events. World War I, World War II and 9/11 are perhaps some of the first that come to mind. The industrial and technology revolution perhaps a little more relevant to our lives today. Go a little further in our past and you will find unfortunately, numerous pandemics – the Black Death, the Great Plague in London, Cholera in 1817 AND 1855 and HIV/ AIDs since 1981. Pandemics that have taken and continue to take millions of lives, affecting several millions more.

What’s the silver lining in this cloud, if any, you may ask? Human perseverance and resilience. Every generation in the world’s history has had an event that has proved to be devastating. But we are still here, in 2020, with advancements in every aspect of our life that have emerged through FAR more than this generation can imagine. Life is no cakewalk, there are hurdles being continuously thrown in your path and it is in your ability to walk around or climb over them. And if you can’t do it yourselves, there is always someone willing to hold your hand while you do. You know who they are. Technology has enabled us during times of a crisis far more than previous generations – and it is time we utilize and appreciate it.

The world, despite seeming like an unfriendly place, is coming together in ways that few would have imagined. Retailers keeping senior citizen hours, neighbors singing together in their alleys, or a community working out together on their patios and giant corporations waiving fees to support local businesses while people are willingly staying at home to lower community risk. On any given day, it would be inconceivable that this would be happening in the world around us. But it is.

Times may be tough but it’s important to remember to keep looking forward and push through anything in our way. Despite what we say, think or read; one thing is for certain the world comes together when needed to and finds a way. As annoying as the person who posts long videos of themselves talking about what to do and how to do it is – take that as a sign. People are coming together in ways far more different than one could imagine.

Now, send this to someone who you think needs it. Be their change. And, remember to wash your hands.