Mother Nature vs 2020: A half-time pep talk

Okay. So, you've somehow managed to make the last 45 minutes go on for about half a year. It's almost as if this is a year-long game for you and you've successfully managed to mess everything up continuously for six months. Come on guys, don't you remember what this team is? You are 2020. You were supposed to be the team. But instead you're letting Mother Nature plough their way through you—quite literally.

If you're going to be adamant in prolonging your own suffering, remember this: by the first 15 minutes of this game, you managed to let Mother Nature set your world on fire, cause floods and earthquakes, and then start killing you off with a new virus. You managed to almost start a third world war and impeach a US president all by yourself. But then the virus really decided to show up. China, we were rooting for you. Iran, what happened?

By the 30th minute, Mother Nature had you crippled. Italy, you went down first, and then the rest of you guys; France, Spain and the UK decided to follow suit. It's like you can't even see Germany and South Korea labouring up and down the wings, the only ones among you who really tried. At one point near the end, it was like there was only New Zealand carrying you along. Good going, Kiwis, more of the same in the next half, yeah? And you, Canada, you can't just flip your hair through everything, eh?

But I am done reprimanding you. You've been through a lot. Some might say too much. I would describe your current situation like this, you're fighting a pandemic, and that's not even your only immediate priority. You have a Herculean task in front of you: facing Mother Nature—while she's winning. However, this is the beautiful game, and you can definitely bring this home.

Yes, you're only halfway through and you've conceded four goals, but I know you have what it takes. You've proven it time and time again. Japan, you've been through hell and back. Forget about a postponed Olympics. UK, you can handle it all—Brexit, and even the royal breakup. From balcony concerts, to mastering cooking skills, to just being generally wholesome when humanity needs it. I have also seen you be fierce and brave. Even during the first half, I noticed you standing up to the occasion and fighting injustice. Keep that spirit up!

Let's regroup, focus, and try harder. You have heroes among you. Remember them. Don't let them down, and don't give up. Don't forget to breathe. Keep your guard up, climate change and inequality will attack when you least expect it. We're going for a defensive 5-4-1 this half, New Zealand up front. For the remaining half of this game you are, each of you, entire nations with fire and spirit.

You know what? You don't have to win against Mother Nature. You just have to be your best selves. You just have to continue to do what you've shown the potential for, what you've shown you're capable of. And then go do it for those who are no longer with you but paved the way, and for those you haven't met yet. Because you can.

Proteeti Ahmed is trying. Share life stories that also follow Murphy's Law with her at [email protected]