A contagion creating a havoc and the world coming together to fight an imminent danger to the human race. The typical plot of a sci-fi movie turned into a real-life nightmare. Suddenly, life has changed for everyone. There was an avalanche of news about sickness spreading, death, loss of livelihood, crashing financial markets and disruptions all over the world.

After the initial scramble for stocking, or perhaps hoarding of the necessities, we embarked on the task of finding all the available information on the virus, possible cures, precautions, economic impact, government actions and reactions.

The seriousness of the situation was recognized and the reality finally sank in.  Preserving life became the top priority and physical isolation, a new norm.  While adjusting, both physically and emotionally, to the new way of life, I received the news of my aunt’s passing.

Reminiscing about the happy times in the loving company of my aunt’s family, I travelled back in time. Summer vacations meant visiting my grandparents’ home, mangoes, grandma’s delicacies, hot days and starry night skies. It was a busy season for my grandmother preparing a year’s supply of papads, masala, pickles and sweet chutneys. When I asked her why she must work so much, she would laugh and reply that she had rest of the year to enjoy the fruits of this labour, along with the family. All these things make the food tasty and interesting through-out the year.  The material required is available in plentiful and at a low cost, and the hot season aids in the drying and preservation process.  She would also stock the staples to last for a year. She would explain that in case of emergencies such as war or a famine, the necessities may not be available for a long time, whereas she had to feed a large family every day.

Years later, during this crisis, I am recollecting her timeless wisdom. All around me, I am watching people lose their jobs, without any provision for payment of their bills and other obligations. Basic requirement such as health and life insurance, have remained on a to-do list. High priority daily activity, such as exercising, is still waiting on the Facebook post that we shared on January 1st. In the haste for sprinting to complete the day’s run, some are losing the life’s marathon.

In a stark contrast, I am also reading the news of mom and pop investors making a rush to invest in the stocks of US technology companies. Are we fast losing the ability to prioritize and keeping things simple?

Coming back to my deceased aunt, and may her soul rest in peace. She had experienced life from a one room residence to a spacious apartment in a large society. During one of our last conversations, she had mentioned that in the past, things were few but the joys were plenty. She was yearning for the simplicity of her yesteryears.

The crisis will end, sooner or later. Many things will change and they should. Life will keep on evolving. But somethings will not change. For example, maintaining good health, financial protection against uncertain events and managing the expenses well are necessary to person’s overall wellbeing and these will always be relevant. Often, the solutions are simple.

Before we make that dash forward once again, let us give a thought to the things in our life that will not change. Perhaps, that would help us in making timely and correct decisions.