I have learned from my mistakes and I’m sure I can repeat them exactly!
This is a quote from the legendary Peter Cook’s character Sir Arthur Greeb-Streebling, an idiot “blue blood” whose energy was spent either opening a restaurant that served only frogs and peaches, or teaching ravens to fly underwater.
I can personally relate to Sir Arthur in terms of his decision making having failed many times, learned little, then failed again! Maybe it’s this level of naivety that has left me with little to show materially after 57 years! Spiritually, I’m in a better place thankfully, and if Covid 19 has provided anything for me it’s the value and importance of family and friends.
As us Victorians move into “Lockdown 2.0” it got me thinking about what we have learned from “Lockdown 1.0”.
- We’ve learned It’s OK to say hello to a fellow walker approaching you, without them thinking you’re a serial killer. 99% of those people will reply with a greeting so let’s hope it continues post-Covid! I’ve even heard cyclists say “thank you” as they pass. Extraordinary times indeed.
- We’ve learned there is a closer connection between us and nature than you think. For some strange reason the presence and behaviour of birds and dogs in particular has been heightened. Dogs incidentally have been the big winner during Covid!
- We’ve learned AFL players are paid CEO salaries to attend what effectively is an all-expenses paid, 5 Star Hub for 8 weeks in order to keep the game alive. Whilst Victorians are dealing with Covid and its many associated issues, you would think the players and media would take the time to be grateful and have empathy for front line workers, nurses, doctors and teachers and not whining about what they’ve “sacrificed”. As Australian cricket coach Justin Langer stated, “You’re not going to war. Harden up”. There’s also the reality that every winter sport in Victoria has been cancelled for 2020, so just playing the sport you love and getting paid for it, is an enormous privilege.
- We’ve learned that what we actually need versus what we want are diametrically opposed to each other. ”Going without won’t hurt you” is a quote from my Mum that resonates to this day. Mind you she would say that given she had 9 children and we lived off “hand me downs”! When we have our backs to the wall it’s amazing what you can go without and what you appreciate more. Just imagine the sacrifices and resilience our grandparents and great grandparents demonstrated through the Spanish flu, 2 x world wars, the great depression, Korea and Vietnam?
- We’ve learned that if you listen to shock jocks on talk back radio, in Melbourne’s case Neil Mitchell on 3AW, it is a one-way ticket to putting your head in the oven. Angst ridden opinions inflaming the bleeding obvious with no solutions isn’t helping anyone. Give him and Tom Elliot for that matter, a wide berth and listen to music.
- We’ve learned the value of family and loved ones and the fun and creativity that is derived from that. Whether it’s a new hobby, a good book or learning more about your kids and/or your partner there’s been a lot to be thankful for. I’ve never seen so many young families down the local ovals and parks away from screens so that’s been a great thing.
- Finally, we’ve learned that any dumb, cruel, inhumane, selfish imbecile can reach the top of the political tree. My only advice to any prospective assassin in the US? Shoot straight.
Please take care especially in Victoria and we can soon have our beautiful city back.
