A Collective Transition — Has the Pandemic changed you?

A Collective Transition

They say we are in a time of collective transition. As a friend of mine said, we are being changed in ways we can’t yet comprehend, and likely won’t until years after this is all over.

What ways has the pandemic changed you?

I haven't seen my mom since the first weekend of March, except from outside of a window, 2-3 floors below, in a parking lot, standing outside my car. (And on a few video chats here and there) I can occasionally now be happy to drive up to 45 minutes out of my way to effectively run an errand. But although visits with my mom are not the same, I still get a sense of connection that makes those trips meaningful.

I think back to early March, and can't believe I went to the MoMa in New York without a mask on, and flew in an airplane, to New York and back. During the week everything started to shut down. I imagine when it's safe to go out without a mask again, it will take time to feel safe going out without one. I am the one who, when I'm about to get out of my car to go in the grocery store, double & triple checks to make sure my mask is securely attached to my face.

I can't believe we live in a time when basic safety and consideration of human life is a political issue. World leaders spew horrifying statements like, "Life doesn't last forever. People have to accept that they will eventually die anyway." This came from the President of Brazil, but might as well have been from our current "president." And I think to myself, "what did I just hear???"

My mom told us in early March that Anthony Fauci was one of the doctors who saved my dad's life, back when he was seriously ill, just before I was born. If my dad's life had not been saved then, I might have never known him.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has many times had his life threatened, just for doing his best to protect others.

I have a few times yelled at teenage boys who refused to get out of my way, as I was walking on a sidewalk on a hot summer day. I didn't feel like walking into oncoming traffic in order to stay 6 feet away. They were riding their bikes on a narrow sidewalk that is supposed to be for pedestrians only. I almost told some college girls to get the fuck out of my way at a grocery store. They were walking too close to me.

I can also tell you what I've really enjoyed about this time of social distancing.

For one thing, I do not miss my commute to work. I was already considering work that would allow me to work from home, and I am more sure that I would like to do that in my coaching and copywriting. I have enjoyed a little extra time to sleep, being able to teach online in my slippers, with my cat curled up next to me and my coffee in a mug that is not a to-go mug.

I have appreciated the fact that I was able to pay a lower rate on my car insurance since I'm driving less. I haven't gotten into baking bread like a lot of people did early on in the lockdown, but I have gotten into the habit of regularly making my own granola and roasting my own almonds. And as usual, I like to try out new recipes. In my household, we have begun a few efforts to be more environmentally friendly, including finally starting a compost pile. Maybe next year we'll try some gardening.. lol : )