Adaptability

We can’t always be in the right place at the right times. We also can’t hope to always have the right resources for what we need at any given time. During these moments we must adapt and make the best of the situation, sometimes sacrificing our own ego to do what is right.

Yesterday when I got on the train I realised I didn’t have my face mask. I was gutted and thought I didn’t have a suitable replacement. I’m not in an at risk population group so it’s even more important that I do my part in the fight against Covid-19. I searched through my bag twice just in case my face mask was hiding somewhere beneath my lunch-box or in a pocket I never use, but no luck. But I did have something that could be used in a pinch, so I did my best with it.

Over the past year I’ve taken to keeping a scarf in the bag I take to work. Not just on cold days, but every day. Sometimes it acts as a barrier to keep the condensation of my lunch away from the book I’m reading, sometimes it is simply extra weight. It’s not a permanent solution, and it’s certainly not one I want to make habit, but I folded up my scarf and wrapped it around my nose and mouth. It was a hot day which meant I perspired heavily before my trip was through, even more than if I had been wearing a face mask. A bit of mild discomfort for me, but peace of mind for others, meant I was glad of the protection to keep my breathing to myself.

There are times in our lives when we must take action. Wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of a disease is definitely one of them. Working hard to stamp out any type of prejudice is another. Looking after our own wellbeing by taking ample time to rest is another. What action this means we should take may not be as obvious as “wear a face covering on public transport”. We must learn how our behaviour affects others as well as ourselves, and do our best to act in the most beneficial way possible. In short: we must adapt.

Work, sport, creativity, food, exercise, thought processes; they all require active management to do well. A combination of solid planning and on the fly decision making will ensure we are doing the best we can to stay on top of it all. And sometimes, we will just have to say no. Even if it’s something we really want to do. Human bodies need rest to continue to function well.

In our current world environment there have been a lot of changes. Many of these have been forced upon us through necessity for managing personal and community wellbeing. Many of these happened quickly and without warning. It’s ok if they take some getting used to, and if we need to take time to get used to them.

Choose kindness friends. To the world. To others. To yourself. Peace.

Cover photo by ready made from Pexels.

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