It's hard not to notice. Covid changed us. It changed the world. But we don't have to stay there.
It's not that jealousy, blame and scapegoating weren't there, but we're now in a world where jealousy, blame and scapegoating have become even more familiar in the media. Stories often centre on conflict, judgement and division.
It's hard not to wonder whether constant exposure to these behaviours is influencing how we see and treat one another. Even success can sometimes attract judgement, with people finding themselves singled out, not for what they've done, but simply for what they have achieved.
There was a time when life seemed more civil, when people looked out for one another and communities felt more connected. The past wasn't perfect, but there seemed to be a greater sense of shared responsibility. Kindness and support could be found beyond our own front doors.
Today, just being yourself can sometimes be enough to find yourself on the other side of kindness. Difference is not always met with understanding, and people can be judged for circumstances or experiences others know little about. When these attitudes become normalised, we risk losing sight of the individual behind them.
The same concerns extend to the natural world. Animals continue to face difficulties as their habitats and wellbeing are affected by human activity. Neglect and abandonment are also part of that picture, although there are still people who quietly care and make a difference. It is a reminder of just how much kindness matters, often in ways we may not see. Still choosing to do things differently.
We should all be walking each other home, recognising that life is difficult enough without adding to someone else's struggles. We may not always understand one another, but we can choose compassion over judgement. Every life deserves consideration.
The question isn't simply what has happened to the world, but whether we are still willing to care enough to make a difference.
