One of the hugely negative consequences of the current pandemic (apart from the obvious issues of people dying, being sick and people and businesses struggling financially), is that we are now very much a divided nation.

• State against State

• Region against Region

• Pro Mask vs Anti Mask

• Pro Vax vs Anti Vax

• Pro Lockdown vs Anti Lockdown

• Conspiracy believers vs Conspiracy Deniers

It seems these days, no one sits on the fence. Everyone has a passionate opinion and we are more divided as Australians now than I have ever seen in my lifetime. Even the fact that we are encouraged to dob in our neighbours to authorities, (whether rightly or wrongly), the end result being that we have turned state against state and right down to neighbour against neighbour.

I saw a great thought on Facebook the other day. I did not author this piece and I am unaware of the author otherwise I would give credit.

Here it is. Its a powerful thought.

Before you judge people for going out to Bunnings, Woolworths, Coles, Aldi or out to exercise read this:-

Just thought I’d share.. please be kind!

I’ve seen a lot of nasty posts in regards to people making “non-essential” trips…Do you ever think maybe that guy buying a litre of paint, knows he must keep busy because idle hands in the past has caused him to relapse and pick up that case of beer? So he’s using this time to do home improvements, something that keeps his mind busy while feeling a sense of accomplishment, trying to avoid painful triggers while possibly being alone.

How about the person buying a new TV, books or gym equipment because the only way to take their mind off their financial stress, is to watch TV, read or do some exercise. Also entertain their family or kids while all locked up in their home.

Or maybe that lady buying bags of soil and seeds, has struggled with depression and suicide. How do you know that planting and watching something beautiful grow during this time of darkness, isn’t essential to her, helping her to hold on to what little hope she might still have?

Those 2 women out walking together, are barely keeping things together for their kids and partners at home and that walking with a friend is relieving stress so they can go home and be strong for their families.

Or those 2 guys working out in the park are so stressed as they’ve lost their jobs and their families are depending on them financially to make it through until the crisis is over. By having a mate to talk to, it’s reducing the fights at home due to all the stress they are under.

We need to remember that it is impossible to know just by looking at a situation from “our” small lens, what someone is truly going through or where their mental health is at. Everyone handles chaos and healing through different means, and I know we are all on edge but please stop being so judgmental of others.

End Quote.

We need to all understand that all of us are going through something…the last thing people need, is to be judged. Rather what Aussies need right now is kindness. I have been a fan of kindness for most of life as I have seen its incredible impact to heal a soul, connect people, and just lift a burden off the shoulders of another person.

So let’s unify Australia by being kind. It starts with you and I.

Anyway, That’s what I think.

Peter

Categories: Australian, Covid Related Posts, Current Affairs

Tags: Australia, covid, Kindness, lockdown, Others, Peter Pilt on the News