“You are the average of the five people you spent the most time with” I believed in this quote with all my heart. I always reminded myself to be with people I admire. Yes, I was always particular about my friends and the people I hung out with. That does NOT mean I hated everyone else! They are great too. I just did not want to deal with them. I like to say that I was a very ambitious person, I say “was” because I was! It’s been more than a year, Leave five, it’s hard to find a single person to “surround” myself with. To be honest, all I want is - good friends and delicious food. I want to enjoy a good movie with a bunch of friends, who appreciate documentaries and rom-coms. Genuine friends inspire and motivate, And that’s all I ever wanted. It’s been a year of not having anyone around. Family is literally on the other side of the world. And my whole world is this room, My lonely, empty room which haunts me. I am not ambitious anymore. I have forgotten who I was, I have omitted the part where I chase my dreams. I dragged myself in the past few months, Now, I have come to a complete stand-still, I do not wish to move anymore. It's a pain so unbearable that not moving is the only antidote. Don’t misunderstand me for being sad. I am not sad, I am anxious. I cry, not because I am sick, but out of habit. I lost my close-knit group , I wish to find a new one. This pandemic has taught me immensely, I appreciate everyone so much more. From the people waiting tables to the bus drivers. I no longer wish to be ambitious, I no longer wish to surround myself with just five people, I now need a village. So that if a pandemic were to ever hit me again, Every day, I’d have someone to hold me on. To my future kids and cousins, and everyone young, Build a Community! Alone you are nothing, your community empowers you and lifts you. Don’t forget to connect with people who were a part of your journey, be appreciative, and spread happiness 🙂
– Shraddha Kulkarni, Pandemic Survivor
(Fine fine, good food is not all that important, but it still is – it is more of a necessity 😬)
Shraddha's Blog 