Looking back, it's obvious that a lot of things had gone extinct in our world today, but then, if I have the power to bring one of those things back, which of them should I choose?
Reading through the prompt description, a lot was running through my mind because so many things have really disappeared and become a forgotten issue. Some went to exile due to modernisation, while for some, we stopped placing values on them.
Having said that, if I have the power to bring back those forgotten values, then it is the old way of life for me, where people look out for each other with love, concern and care. That time when the fear of neighbours is not something to nurse in our mind but where neighbours are seen as family members as well.
I missed those days when where I will take my lunch is never predicted because our neighbours were regarded as family. We share many things in common; we care for each other a lot. My mum doesn't mind leaving my siblings and me very early and returning in the evening because our neighbours got her covered. That was how peaceful we lived with the neighbourhood back then.
Children visit others and engage in diverse games without parents having to worry about anything. In fact, they help do chores in another home just for fun and bonding together. Parents had nothing to fear about, unlike now that children are in mini-prison in their own home. As I am leaving my home for anywhere, I will be sure to use a big padlock to lock them inside because the trust is gone. Playing together is no longer observed, anyhow, not to talk of eating in another home.
Nowadays, we can live one month plus without setting my eyes on my neighbours. Everyone is minding their business. There is a lot of disconnection now unlike it was before. Children still mingle a bit because of school activities; if not, it would have been worse building their social life.
I missed that sense of community for real. Then, if a child behaves badly, an available adult can correct him or her, but not anymore. If you try it now, police might come for you. lol. Those sitting out time to talk and share jokes with neighbours are gradually becoming a thing of the past. People have lost their lives over poison consumed while drinking together in the evening with neighbours. The wickedness of man is growing stronger, and it's just unfortunate that it contributes to why people are minding their business these days.
Even if I can bring back the old ways of checking on our neighbours without eating together again, it's still something, just something to bring that sense of community back. That genuine human connection is my greatest desire to see back to our community. And actually, this is possible when we intentionally start working on it practically; it's not going to happen by magic or by mere wish.
I will leave you with the same question: what would you love to bring back if you had the power?
Image was created using chatgpt
