I’ve learned and reaffirmed a lot during the pandemic; I bet you have too. I’ve learned that some things that I thought were really important to me seem to have fallen out of my life. I’m okay with some of these changes, others really puzzle me (why can I not seem to do yoga from a video?) I’ve learned that I really really like quiet. I’ve learned that I also really really like the energy of being surrounded by people as well. I re-affirmed my belief that I need daily hugs. I thank God that I have a life partner in my home or I would be in real trouble. I can’t wait until the virus is contained and I can see in person and touch and hug friends and families and even just pat folks on the back and shake hands again….we will shake hands again won’t we?
I’ve re-affirmed that most people are kind. I’ve reaffirmed that I like routines. I feel “off” now if I do not go for at least one walk per day. I’ve discovered that there is no reason to not call friends that I have not talked to in years. I’ve learned that I really miss the days before traffic started to get bad again! I’ve learned that I really don’t need to go to restaurants much. I’ve learned how much I can enjoy a haircut!
I’ve learned some uglier things too. I’ve learned that getting everyone to do something that is simple and in their best interest, is really difficult. I’ve learned that many essential workers are female and/or minority. I’ve learned that the central banks of the world act very differently now than they did in the early 20th century during the Great Depression. I’ve learned that the whole world can be transfixed for many months by the same thing at the same time. I’ve re-affirmed that many people don’t understand basic math, or time-delays. I’ve also learned that many people think dualistically.
I’ve learned that if not careful I can obsess about anything. I’ve also learned that I can choose to stop obsessing as well. I’ve learned that having too many things that I am trying to do is not as good as having fewer but really committing to them. I’ve learned that apparently, I can put on weight in the summer, not just the winter!
I’ve learned how complicated school districts are. I’ve learned that time can fly even when I am not having fun (or am I actually having fun but don’t realize it?) I’ve learned that I am much happier greatly reducing my time on social media. I’ve learned that we don’t have to count our birthdays during the pandemic, hence we will live longer! Okay, I need to confirm that last one! I’ve learned how important toilet paper is!
I now wonder what life will be like after the Great Pause. Will sports be the same? Will live music and theater and even movie houses be the same? How about energy consumption and traffic patterns? Will we go to restaurants as much? Will we be more compassionate? Will we be more fearful? What will be different that I cannot even imagine? Will we learn what we did not do well, own it, and commit to not repeating it the next time? When will we all need to “pause” again?
