Catching up with AIMES Alumni Alexander Kuch

As I took time to reflect on what happened over the last two weeks, life has changed in ways that people could not have imagined due to COVID-19 around the globe. I still remember two weeks ago, on the afternoon of Saturday 21st when our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said these changing words.

"I have a very keen sense of the magnitude of this moment in New Zealand's history and we did not take this decision lightly. But we all absolutely believe this is the right thing to do. If community transmission takes off in New Zealand the number of cases will double every five days.”

On self-reflection I have observed the following three key lessons:

Having a Regular Routine is vital

The most common advice people have been sharing is to have a regular routine and I have experienced that this works for me to. I structure my day by going for a run in the morning before work appreciating the stunning sunrise that I get to see, and all the other things that are constant in my life that I’m grateful for. After work I try to engage in normal activities and a lot of socializing with friends over Zoom; from celebrating a birthday to taking part in my local Toastmasters (Public speaking).

One of the photos of the sunrises I get to see after my daily morning run -

People and society are becoming more self-aware and finding core values

On Friday night while having a zoom catch up with good friends over a drink, we started to share the changes we had seen in our own lives and the wider impact on society. As each of us started to share their observations some core themes started to emerge. Firstly that we all take human connection and being with people for granted, and secondly that we are re-evaluating what is really important to us - be that as a society or as individuals. We are re-evaluating our core values of taking care of everyone and our environment that we live in.

Adjusting to dealing with the new set of uncertainties

Lastly, I have come to accept that when we are faced with uncertainty that the only way to deal with this is how one response to this. A quote by Viktor Frankel that was shared with me by a recent friend summarized this perfectly.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

 

Recently I have also been participating in online Q&A's as part of the 'I'm Adopted' charity that I'm involved with.

Below is the general adoption Q&A wand sharing how adoptees are dealing with the global lockdown:

 

Another video is available here - Viewing Adoptions as Young Adults

 

I wish everyone a great start into their new week and to look after one and another and as the constant message we hear in New Zealand is, "Be kind to one and another"

 

Alex was the recipient of the 2018 AIMES Service to the Community Award sponsored by Albany Toyota