As we have begun to “un” whatever is there in our lives during pandemic, do we really know where we are heading to? Bingo! the most happening swag is here! For starters, it’s ‘unlock’ in Corona times which has given birth to many siblings with famous ones like ‘uncertainty’, ‘unvaccinated’ etc

This swag is a super hit, and it might appear in any K-POP soon. Worldwide, the swag has become more popular than the virus. Globally, citizens have filled their bucket list with many ‘uns’ that will take some time to complete. Netizens have already flooded the net with all their “un” thoughts and views.

As I was sure to go ahead with my plan to travel to Goa in 2022, I ‘unpacked’ all due to the latest guidelines imposed by the Government. ‘Unclear’ as I was about the different rules in different States, I finally decided to ‘uncage’ myself by meeting my friends in Delhi only.

Even before I finalized the meeting, I got a call from a friend questioning me if I was fully jabbed. Well, ‘undecided’ as I was about the entire social meet, I pretended to be ignorant. In my heart, I felt as if we are living in the age of ‘uncolored’ emotions of ‘unsettling’ human beings. I felt sad that even meeting of the hearts is now dependent on being jabbed or not? The impact of Corona on human minds has just begin making me realize that I now also need to ‘un-self’ myself to create a new me in 2022.

With so much of media attention on the third wave of Covid, we are carrying ‘uncertainty’ which is much more hazardous than the virus itself. ‘Unendurable’ and ‘unbearable’, it is difficult to plan, to strategize, to implement and execute fully.

Although we have managed to mask our emotions, but circumstances have already ‘unmasked’ our souls leading to complicated lives and relationships. We really don’t know which relationship rules to follow or the new conduct of online dates and prayer meets with each one pondering on the question, “Who is ours in reality?”

Children are bored muting and ‘unmuting’ themselves in online sessions. The new ‘unschooling’ has made children more tech savvy but less inclined towards physical classrooms. The ‘unaware’ kindergarden students really find it difficult to write while elder students have forgotten to write as everything now is based on “buttons”, “scrolls” & “clicks”.

Corporates have already started the new game of “undesk” as many are now following the philosophy of work from home. And while ‘WFH” is the new treasure, confusion is how to ‘unload’ or ‘unwork’ as ‘WFH’ has its own pressure and demands along with ‘unkempt’ appearances.

As we are juggling with the ‘uns’ in our lives, senior citizens have suffered much in this game with their ‘unrevolutionary’ attitude. The corona has hit the aged in the worst way leaving senior citizens stranded as none could step out or meet their friends and relatives or go for a walk. They were rather forced to ’unlearn’ their traditional ways and adopt technology in every sphere of their life right from talking to friends, ordering medicines, attending online meets etc

Not only in the lives of the gray-haired, the ‘un’ swag has slipped in everywhere. Today, a haircut at a salon comes with an ‘untouch’ option which is much in demand. The waxing too has a ‘roll-on’ version and much to my surprise electronic massages are in demand.

While we all were beginning to ‘unwind’, the third wave said it all and we are forced to go into our shells again. With ‘unemployment’ rising, ‘unpaid’ jobs on the roll, ‘unfinished’ tasks and ‘untapped’ markets, we don’t know how to deal with this new swag on the block.

However, for me it’s just ‘unburdening’ myself of all the thoughts & beliefs and systems leading me to an unexplored path of happiness…..

By Shaveta Nayyar