Putting things into perspective

The supply-demand flow was interrupted not by a virus, but by unreasonable fear. I can’t see how chickens all of a sudden will produce fewer eggs per day due to that virus. Cows haven’t stopped munching on grass — they are producing the same ample supply of milk every day.

Normally I wouldn’t but I have some spare time… in fact a lot of it…. in isolation.

I was recently, just less than two weeks ago, on the panel of Migrant Women in Australia for the International Women’s Day.

I truly loved it!

It’s interesting how we forget all the struggles and challenges, become resilient, succeed and rarely take time to reflect and remember our humble beginnings.

Because I was on the panel and shared my story and listen to other migrants stories and answers questions from the audience, people who are new in the country. I suddenly realise how I forgot all the hardship and struggles that I have faced when arriving in Australia.

It was nice to be reminded.

So my memory of humble beginnings was fresh…then… you know how much has changed in the last two weeks.

The whole country in a panic over toilet paper, hand sanitisers, rice, flour and other food suppliers.

Did I panic? Do I panic… not really. If anything it brings back some childhood memories.

I think perspective is a very interesting thing.

I was sharing some of my thoughts with a colleague and he said you are lucky you knew the other way.

Lucky ???? Maybe…

Back to perspective

Imagine that what you are seeing right now in Australian supermarkets was happening EVERYDAY FOR DECADES, or for at least as long as I remember! Back in the Soviet Union, due to complete isolation from international food supply (or perhaps government’s desire to control people) shelves were empty with ZERO chance of being replenished the following day, or ever.

And then when some products were available you have to queue for hours. In winter the temperature is over -20c outside.

And I remember this situation from the age of 5. Often as kids, we were responsible for queuing up after school as our parents were at work.

There were no shopping trolleys. And we needed to bring bags and jars so we can be served.

We queue for everything: bread, milk, meat, pasta, washing powder, sugar. We never have seen “luxury” like chocolates or fresh fruit.

And we never bought toilet paper! You can guess where the newspapers went….

A couple of oranges and walnuts as New Year gift was a day that we were waiting for the whole year.

We didn’t focus on this as we were growing up. It’s was never a lack of resources you need to fear, but a lack of resourcefulness!

Coming back to our current situation in the world. I’d like to ask EVERYONE who reads me: STOP DISRUPTING THE FLOW OF SUPPLY OF OUR SUPERMARKETS !

We are intelligent creatures after all!

Shops are designed to profit and their speed of supply was perfectly in-tune with our everyday demand of millions in this country!

The supply-demand flow was interrupted not by a virus, but by absolutely unreasonable fear. I can’t see how chickens all of the sudden will produce fewer eggs per day due to a virus they don’t have when prior to this EVERYONE had to spend 10 seconds to decide what brand, size and quantity to chose from. Cows haven’t stopped munching on grass, and they produce the same ample supply of milk every day. Factories are still making poisonous potato chips non-stop! No need to hoard the 6 months supply of them unless you wanna die in the hurry by consuming them in a matter of a few days.

We all need a little bit more common sense, less social media in our lives and obviously more knowledge about our own bodies and nature around us.

So we are back to basics:

• Wash your hands
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze

Let’s focus on not what we can’t do but what we can do in the current situation.

Can we improve cooking skills, read more, learn more, connect more, talk to friends and family more

Take care of yourself and your family

PS: What is your perspective? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Oksana