YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Dear Comrades,

Do you remember this time last year? 

We were in a 24-hour lock down. I think it is fair to say, none of us really knew at the time what this would mean for us. As we had never lived through anything like this before. We had no reference points. All we could do was wholeheartedly pray for the best outcome and trust our leaders to guide the way. 

As the pandemic became our new reality, we had to begin to make adjustments, as COVID-19 did not discriminate on gender, race, class or position at work. COVID-19 spared no one. We were all tested. Whether it was emotionally, physically, psychologically or financially. 

Naturally, a year on, I could not help but reflect on everything we have gone through together and share with you a few personal silver linings. However, I say this not to take away from or undermine what many of you may still be feeling (including myself) as we continue to navigate ourselves through various trials and tribulations, but rather share with you my personal reflections of trying to see the glass half-full rather than half empty:

Firstly, the pandemic highlighted the fortunate position we were in by the sheer fact we were residing in the UAE. Our leadership chose to respond quickly taking the necessary steps to contain the virus and provided free testing and health care for everyone, to ensure no one was left behind. And for that I am truly grateful. 

Secondly, the pandemic brought the spirit of community to life. We showed with full vigor what personal sacrifice looked like in order to protect the most vulnerable in society, whether it was for our family members, neighbors, colleagues or complete strangers. The youth stepped forward and bought groceries for those who were self-isolating and at high-risk. Again, it was the youth who volunteered through the night to serve our nation by running the various national disinfection programs. We learnt the power of what can be achieved when we stick together and protect one another. And I am grateful to have witnessed this level of team work during my time in the public service in the youth field.

Lastly, the pandemic showed me how difficult it can be to respond to a crisis, which we had no time to prepare for. Of course, this was out of our control, as it took us by storm over night. Now, let us flip this and look at how much we could achieve if we chose to prepare and lay the groundwork for our future. Is this not in our control?

Thousands of courses and classes have moved online and become more accessible to us. That conference some may have always wanted to attend in San Francisco has also moved online and is now at a more affordable rate, as the cost of running it has reduced! The time we spent in traffic, going back and forth, can now be spent meditating or taking up a new hobby, which can help our mental wellbeing.  

So how are you choosing to use the extra time you have been gifted? How are you navigating the online world, which has given you an opportunity to plant the seeds to cultivate a new skill or position yourself better for that next role you want at work?

I bring this up now, as I fundamentally believe all great things are achieved through vision and hard work. And now is the time to invest in ourselves, so we are ready to hit the ground running when things go back to normal. Let us start this now in a personal capacity by planting the seeds during Shahban to reap the rewards in Ramadan, which is upon us!  

With all my love,

Shamma