It is rare that things happen by chance in our life. Either they are the result of deep desires which are translated into reality, or they are external events whose impact is such as we have no choice but to accept to go through this new imposed situation. In any case, we are bloated between these two extremes, collapse or eventually, emerge from this trial. The period we are living through this mandatory lockdown is historic. Never since the last major flu outbreak, which decimated a large part of the population, a virus made so much noise, with such a spread in terms of victims and social impact. Certainly, in Europe we have known two great wars in the last century, some of us have had family history bereaved by these conflicts. However, the situation we are experiencing is unprecedented.
For those who want to use a martial vocabulary, in a war the enemy is at least identified. In our case, it is invisible, painless, and potentially everywhere around us. The anxiety factor it creates for some people is even more harmful than the virus itself. Precautions should be taken to limit its expansion, such as washing hands, wearing the mask and minimizing the risk of contact.
There are so many different personal and professional situations that it would be impossible to list them. In any case one thing is certain, this lockdown can be synonymous with a fresh start.
It’s a time of refocusing when we have never had the opportunity to really think about what is important in our lives. The people you love, the people you promise to spend more time with after the lockdown ends; What we want to achieve professionally, personally, in the development of our business or associative activities. Take the time to tidy the house, tinker, clean up, repair. Playing a board game together with the family, with the roommates. Exchange, discuss, share. To give birth to new desires and above all to take the time, for once, to let these desires permeate us.
It’s time to retake control of our own lives, take back the “lead”, act rather than suffer, set a direction and be focused on it. Life is too short to postpone, too precious to waste. Some could say that there is more important than thinking about ourself right now, that people are leaving us, that families are suffering. I would reply that this is precisely the time to ask how we can help each other, help the world around us, and if need be, transform this suffering into true strength.
On April 5th (almost yesterday), my girlfriend’s mother left us. The dismay was immense and the need to write appeared as a lifeline when I was drowning myself. The messages received on the social networks, after having published the portrait of Lola, warmed my heart. I knew at this moment the importance of having been able to listen to his little inner voice which asked me to make known via writing, this beautiful person.
To quote Saint-Exupéry, in the “Petit Prince”: “It is true that we can only see with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes”.
As far as I am concerned, since the beginning of the lockdown, I have therefore made the decision to update my website and specially to create a blog. The purpose is to be able to communicate to anyone interested in ideas or consciences; also to share knowledge (acquired or resulting from training followed), any type of information that may be useful and/or provide you with self-coaching tools.
I wish you a good achievement and hope that this first reading also helps you to affirm your desire to… make a fresh start. And of course do remember also to…
Enjoy the way…
Mickaël Garin