What gives you consolation in the world of total fiasco? A chocolate ice cream in the middle of summer? A bottle of water after a long, tiring journey? A peaceful sleep in the comfort of your room? Or a NETFLIX binge-watching your favorite drama series during a long period of quarantine?

Human beings have different ways of living with a new pandemic. Whether we like it or not, we have to face it. We can not just brush it away and hope everything will go back to normal. The COVID-19 has shaken the world but we are not crushed! According to most leaders in the world, we have to get used to the new norm. It startled people to hear an oxymoron. How can you get used to a new norm? As bizarre as it may seem, but we have to rise to the occasion and not let this pandemic ravage humanity.

Solace is something that gives you comfort, consolation, or relief. Let’s take a look at things that can give society solace in the middle of desolation.

Selflessness- People collectively show kindness and give help to those in need. We have watched, heard, or read stories about these things but there were two incidents that caught my eyes. One was in Poland where people placed replenishments on the sidewalk for other people to get if they needed them. No advertisements, no trotting out, just pure desire to help. Another event was in Asia. The government usually aids people by providing them basic needs through a house to house visit. Some people placed a placard at their gates that says, "just give the help to those who need them the most." You might wonder what is so striking about this. The fact that they need help but they are willing to sacrifice knowing that there are still more people who haven’t received aid yet. These humans rose above the situations and they responded in an exemplary way!

Unity- Virus hits and when it bashes, it raids without mercy not thinking about religion, ethnic group, or class. Just because it hits worldwide doesn’t mean when we can’t beat if off. Unity has different forms. It can be in the form of people clapping together at 7 p.m when health workers end their shift, to show gratitude for the hard work they have done. It can also be a group of cooks preparing free meals for the frontliners who are consumed with too much work to be done. There is hope for humanity!

Victory- Again, I am talking about oxymoron here. How can we talk about victory in the middle of a mess? Well, the answer is simple: We are back on track. We are flourishing! People are more socially connected than ever before! Restaurants, bars, schools, and establishments are closed but our perception and hearts are free. We spend time with what and who really matters!

The best things in life are indeed free but we have almost forgotten it. Thanks to this pandemic, it has changed our outlook in life. After this conquest, may we reminisce and smile because of how we conquered together!

This is the kind of solace I want to enunciate!

2020.05