We fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another.
Suddenly Disney is out of magic,
Paris is no longer romantic,
New York doesn't stand up anymore,
the Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty.
Hugs & kisses suddenly become weapons, and not visiting parents & friends becomes an act of love.
Suddenly you realise that power, beauty & money are worthless, and can't get you the oxygen you're fighting for.
The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages.
I think it's sending us a message:
"You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters."
Attributed to Author Haroon Rashid
Sea turtles are thriving in Thailand after beaches closed due to the Corona virus, experts estimate they have the largest number of sea turtle nests in over two decades. Lions in South Africa are napping on the quiet, tourist-free roads of Kruger National Park. The Himalayas are visible for the first time in thirty years in Northern India. And in Venice, their famous canals have quickly began clearing up and dolphins are swimming in their waters.
Emissions of CO2, nitrogen dioxide, and overall air pollution have dramatically reduced due to the slow down of the industries that contribute drastically to pollution. For the first time in modern history, there are less cars on the roads and fewer planes in the air. The result? Clear blue skies to admire, pure clean air to breathe in, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets day-after-day.
We might not be thrilled about #quarantine, but we have to admit, there is a bright side. Or rather than bright, should we say green and blue? Our planet is feeling the positive impact of this new stay-at-home lifestyle, and Mother Earth is really benefiting from being human-free...even if it's temporary.
If there was ever a time for human beings to take a step back and understand that we are all connected, this should be it. The big reset is here. Now is the time for us to reevaluate our choices and decide to lead a lifestyle with intention. When the dust settles from COVID-19, are we going to simply "go back to normal" or choose to do better?
This is an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and our businesses and it's clear - those that embrace sustainability will emerge stronger after this big reset. For Earth Day this year, challenge yourself to take inventory of your lifestyle choices and determine which are good for you and great for the planet. Once we realize we are one, we will begin to treat our planet with the same care and respect that we show our loved ones. Let's use this pause to move forward with intention and care for our beautiful planet Earth.