What a crazy week it has been – well, not like the last few months of the coronavirus pandemic have not been crazy, more like madness reigning supreme (let us just keep perspective here) – but just the strangest things happening at the same time; and having to deal with these life-changing moments in surreal ways.
So, this has never happened before – the other day a friend invites us to her wedding – via Zoom – in Gibraltar – say whaaat?! Yes, a South African become American was marrying her English become American beau. Not where they live (Los Angeles), no, in Gibraltar! Wow! And next thing… you are invited… save the date…. Via Zoom! So, there we all were, signing in from Johannesburg, California, Florida, Surrey; you name it – it was a global affair with hubbie and I all dressed up as though we were on our way to visit the Queen! Whilst we all waited for the bride, the wedding guests got to know one another via virtual introductions with champagne flowing at all sorts of odd hours of the day! O my hat, how things have changed…
A few hours earlier on the same day, we attended the funeral of a 22-year-old young lady who passed away unexpectedly, to the enormous shock of her family and friends. In hospital for a kidney problem, she tragically suffered an unexpected clot through her lung. And just like that, there we were, sitting in the lounge and signing into a virtual funeral. Tragedy beyond measure. Tears on the double. A young life gone too soon, a family locked in devastation.
And this got me thinking.
I so appreciate being able to walk out into nature every morning at 05h15, to be able to absorb life and the beauty around us. The clean, fresh air, the beautiful fields, the rising run, our boisterous little dogs wagging their tails excitedly; and just breathing deeply whilst taking it all in. We need to take stock, see the blessings around and be thankful for what we have, because we just don’t know what tomorrow holds. Life is fragile and despite it sounding like the obvious, we are simply unaware of the future – we wish we knew more about the coronavirus, but we don’t; we wish we knew when the pandemic will finally be over, but we don’t; so go on, count to ten, give a shout out for just five blessings you have; and exclaim with enthusiasm, “THANK YOU”! You’ll feel better, be more positive, and yes, I have no doubt, you’ll be more mindful. I find this helps me keep perspective… you may remember the old song, “Count your blessings, count them one by one…”
Charlene
Charlene Lamb is a strategic communications professional and has enjoyed an illustrious career in the corporate world before steering her public relations consultancy in South Africa and the United Kingdom. She also enjoyed an exciting time as a journalist in the United States, interviewing many famous personalities. She is married and has three energetic fur babies: her Jack Russells, Chilli, Vlekkie and Sammy and is passionate about primates and the welfare of animals.
