’Never Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste’ – Winston Churchill
It feels like we are in a crisis. Certainly I feel like I have not lived through something like this.
But I also think it’s an opportunity. In any given moment, you have the choice to act according to your values. Viktor Frankl, the psychiatrist and holocaust survivor, wrote ‘The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.’
It is stark reminder that we can choose how we react in these uncertain times.
So, how do you want to treat yourself and others in times of struggle? What are your values? And how can you act on those values right now? If you value kindness, how will you show that? What will you do? These are the moments to get in touch with what matters to you deep in your heart.
Lots of people are thinking about how hard it is to not see relatives and worrying about elderly parents. I am not going to go into my father’s house but I will take food aroundand speak to him daily. Maybe I will sit in the car outside so he knows I am there. I will see if his neighbours need anything. This is how I want to show my values.
Working with refugees for so many years has taught me not to take who I love for granted. I’ve seen how quickly you can lose so much. I have heard stories of horrific cruelty. I have heard stories of amazing humanity and kindness.
We are not used to these restrictions and fears. But spare a thought for the millions of people around the world for whom this is has long been a reality, long before Coronavirus – refugees, people in war zones, anyone who has not had the luxury of choice which many of us do.
Their suffering continues and we must not forget it. Coronavirus will not show mercy in the refugee camps and war zones of the world.
We are living in strange times. We cannot control a lot of what is happening but we can choose how we behave and what we say. Don’twaste this chance to show your deepest values to your fellow human beings and yourself.
That’s how you don’t let a crisis go to waste.