Who would have thought that a tiny microscopic virus could change the world? Well that is exactly what is happening now. Covid-19 has redefined our sense of normal living and reshaped our social boundaries. But in our long history as the human race and in our very own life, this is just one of the many challenges that we have to face; albeit the hardest one.

Nature has instilled in man the quality to endure the hardest challenges. One such miraculous feat is when a caterpillar has to cocoon itself before it transforms into a radiant butterfly. Challenges stand as a testimony in redefining us. In addition, it helps us change and adapt to whatever life thrusts upon us. When we are reborn from the ashes like a phoenix, blazing and victorious, we are a new person; a better version of ourselves.

I was inevitably cooped up in my home due to the lockdown. At the beginning, I was too lethargic to get started on anything productive at all. But, unexpectedly, a realization dawned upon me. We often miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work. So, I geared up and prepared to do something fun and productive with the time in my hands.

The rest of the days went by in a whirlwind as I discovered art and started creating new artworks to pass the time. But, I didn’t stop there. The Internet was waiting for me with open arms, so I dived in and scavenged any engrossing facts that I could find.

This pandemic has also transformed me into a better human. This is a difficult time and I have learned to be grateful for what I have when I behold the pitiful state of others. I have taken heart to help others and began saving up money to donate to charity, instead of spending it on luxuries.

In the end, every cloud has a silver lining and it stands true for this pandemic too. When we emerge from our homes after lockdown, we will be a different person. If we truly accept the challenges in life and use it to turn ourselves for the better, then we will be stronger than ever before. The only thing we have to do is fight. Fight and appear from the ordeal strong, if not unscathed.

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.”

-Roger Crawford