Risk and responsibility for a longer survival

One of the things this pandemic has taught us this year and maybe a reminder to some is to be more hopeful despite the confusion when this global problem ends. We become positive and strong with our faith that sooner or later this virus will totally be gone and we can start catching up with the dreams and plans we’ve missed. However, the positivity we have in mind and in our feelings is sometimes good as stationary if we come to analyze it.  We only change the quality of our perspective. It doesn’t make anything yet unless we do.

A saying goes, “Don’t confuse being busy with being productive.” Perhaps it's also the same to say- don’t confuse being hopeful with being at work. Yes, there are safety protocols which limit our mobility this time obviously but it’s not a reason to just stay, hide, and wait for the government's action. We too feel the need to find our own way because we, together with our family, are the only ones who are familiar with our own time and survival. Some of us are maybe hopeful but have done nothing more to get what we have hoped for. Some of us too learn to play along with the different kinds of risk.

Risk is everywhere, we can find it even by just sleeping and eating at home. With risk, taking actions therefore has become more challenging. We sell and promote our products online for safety but we still meet different delivery drivers and receive money from them or from our customers. You see the risk? However, this action is far better than doing nothing for almost two years in this pandemic.

Hope is a burning desire, a fuel that keeps us thinking of the good things. It is very important to lift ourselves up but it has to be translated into actions little by little. During this pandemic, safety might be our top priority but the more we limit ourselves or the more we stay in our comfort zone, the more we might not be prepared for the worst to come. Think of getting vaccinated, going to church, flying to other countries, applying for a new job, securing life and health insurance, going to hospital, opening a new business, starting a side hustle, etc. They are all risky but they are worthy actions for a longer survival.

The world and its people are now facing the greatest challenge-to take responsibility for what we have done. Now, think of your own responsibility. What's your next step?

John Caballes

Cebu City