It is a light atmosphere with Christmas carols clamoring
on radio, television, on our phones , in our homes and in the streets. The Christmas tree lights are glowing in most of the shops. The Christmas carols are announcing the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the new year following on its heels.
A calming and relaxing atmosphere despite the hardships and challenges we faced during the unsettling uncertainty of the two years COVID- 19 pandemic lockdown. This global medical emergency caused by a virus, changed our lives forever. It changed how we live, how we work, how we interact with others and how we spend our leisure time.
It taught us some good lessons:
- that we have to work together globally on the problems that affect the entire human race.
- There is a need to address the inequalities between the rich and the poor in our society.
- Our economies should work to deliver prosperity and safety for all.
- Misinformation and disinformation are part of the Digital information systems and affect the way individuals interprete daily developments. Technology companies have to invest in tools that improve online accountability.
- Digital transformations like telemedicine, video conferencing, online teaching and e-commerce should be exploited fully to improve ways of accessing and delivery of health care and education.
- The greatest asset of each country still remains its people.
These lessons and many others learned through the pandemic should be applied to respond effectively and timely to future epidemics and pandemics.
According to coronavirus.jhu.edu – the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource centre, as on the 22nd December 2022:
A total of 656,350,602 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed
And 6,676,588 total deaths.
13,098,830.125 vaccine doses had been administered.
UGANDA:
The Confirmed cases were 169,810
while the Deaths were 3.630
Total doses administered were 26,244,519
Currently, there are some new cases of COVID-19 in China following the recent easing of strict lockdown restrictions under their zero-COVID policy.
Since March 2022, we have all been struggling to find the new normal after the two- years lockdown.
This tough period, which is considered the worst humanitarian crisis since world war 11, has reminded me of the struggles that Okonkwo, the main character in Chinua Achebe’s fiction novel: Things Fall Apart (1958). Okonkwo, known for his aggressive personality and wrestling prowess tried his first year at yam farming. Unfortunately for him, the crop failed miserably due to a combination of uncontrollable factors: a severe drought followed by a great flood and non-observance of the traditional sacred week of peace.
In his attempt to encourage himself he said to himself, “ Since I survived that year, I shall survive anything.’’
In a world where there is a lot of change, confusion and disorder:
the war in Ukraine, the floods and landslides in Pakistan the fires in Croatia and Extreme weather events leading to food insecurity and conflicts.
Nearer home; the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the floods in Kinshasa, the civil war in Ethiopia and the drought in Somalia.
Here at home we have had floods, drought, famine and some cases of Sudan Ebola disease in Mubende district since 20th September 2022.
One thing is for sure life goes on – time and tide wait for no man.
Each one of us has a vital role to play in creating a future we deserve. We have to keep moving upward and forward. One famous quote says , “ Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.’’
“ Life is not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it’s about doing, being and becoming.’’- Mike Dooley
“ I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.’’- Thomas Jefferson
“Without life, I cannot think of a future beyond where I am.’’ – African Proverb
I have compiled some quotes and proverbs to inspire and encourage us to move into the future after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sosolye bwatafa, atuuka kulyengedde- the bird that survives a hunter’s trap lives on to enjoy the banana of the next harvest.
- Bwekatarigyirya eribiika amaggi- loosely translated says that a female chick that survives being eaten by a hawk, grows up to lay some eggs.
- When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind
- A little hope each day can fill rivers to overflowing
- It is better to live as a lion for one day rather than 100 years as a sheep.
- The strength of the crocodile is in the water- people can be very strong in their right environment.
- However long the night, the dawn will break.
- Trouble does not discriminate. It comes to everyone at some point.
- Not everyone who chased the zebra caught it, but he who caught it , chased it.
- Once you carry your own water, you’ll remember every drop.
- Even the lion protects herself against the flies.
- All monkeys cannot hang from the same branch.
- The axe forgets but the tree remembers.
- Don’t think that there are no crocodiles just because the water is calm.
- Lack of knowledge is darker than the night.
- If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
- Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.
- In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges, and the foolish build dams.
- The wise man never takes a step too long for his leg.
QUOTES:
The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you’re not going to stay where you are.’’- J.P Morgan
Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.’’- John . D. Rockfeller
“The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.’’- Socrates
“ Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invicible host against difficulties.’’- Hellen Keller
Strength shows not in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over.’’– F. Scoff Fitzgerald
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.’’– Henry David Thoreau
“What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.’’- Vern Melellan
“You will never win if you never begin.’’- Helen Rowland
“I close my eyes to old ends and open my heart to new beginnings.’’ – Nick Frederickson.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.’’- Neale Donald Walsch
“There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.’’- C.S Lewis
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.’’- Nelson Mandela
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’’- Eleanor Roosevelt
“The new year stands before us , like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.’’- Unknown
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.’’- Eleanor Roosevelt
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hullo.’’- Paulo Coelho
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.’’- Carl Bard
We are social animals by nature who need social support systems to thrive. We are given to each other to be there for one another- sharing, encouraging and lifting each other up. Regular human connection keeps us healthy; less stressed and our immune systems function better.
Technolgy seems to be connecting us but face –to-face interaction is superior.
As we celebrate the festive season, may we all do it out of an attitude of gratitude and appreciation and be generous to the needy among us.
Thank you for following my blog.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT THE NEW YEAR.
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