As the coronavirus pandemic continues to ripple through society, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disarray. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global emergency, our lives have been turned upside down. The stock market has nosedived to unprecedented lows, and the number of infections and fatalities from a virus that was virtually unknown just months ago is staggering. Social gatherings have been replaced by virtual meetups, and celebrations like weddings and birthdays have been put on hold. The normalcy we once took for granted seems like a distant memory, possibly just postponed as we await a post-COVID-19 reality.
Like many, I find myself living in a constant state of anticipation, eagerly checking for updates about the world outside, yet simultaneously fearing the next alert that might edge us closer to chaos. The uncertainty is palpable. Our current focus is firmly on public health, supporting those in the healthcare field who are tirelessly working to combat this crisis, and striving to flatten the curve.
However, in the moments between updates and the frantic refresh of my social media feed, I can’t help but ponder the future. What will society look like after this global crisis? What invisible wounds will linger within us as individuals, families, and communities? The implications for health, social dynamics, and the economy are vast—especially for families affected by loss, low-wage workers, and those who chose to hoard rather than share.
Recently, I watched my children adapt to their new normal at home, and it struck me how this experience will shape their childhoods. Instead of asking one another about their first cell phone, they might instead share their “coronavirus stories.” Will they feel a deeper bond with their siblings? Will they develop a newfound appreciation for education, friendships, and even the value of food? Perhaps this pandemic will teach us all to view our communities and neighbors in a more compassionate light.
Experts can speculate, but many of them are on the frontlines, consumed with immediate concerns, leaving the future to be addressed later. One possibility is that, once the crisis abates, life will return to a semblance of normalcy. We may emerge from this experience, dust ourselves off, and resume our previous habits—shopping, traveling, and debating social issues—forgetting the unity we shared in confronting a common enemy.
On the other hand, this experience might be so transformative that what once felt ordinary will suddenly seem strange. Just a few days into the era of “social distancing,” I found myself flinching at a scene in a movie where characters embraced. My instinct was to caution them against getting too close.
Li Edelkoort, a trend forecaster, has suggested that the pandemic may compel us to slow down, avoid airplanes, work from home, and prioritize close relationships. She believes we have long recognized the necessity for change in our consumption and lifestyle choices for our survival, and that this virus could catalyze those shifts.
While I appreciate her perspective, I hope that the changes we embrace are not born from fear or loss. I don’t want our world to transform due to illness or despair; that feels too bleak. I cling to the hope that we can find a balance that fosters growth without forgetting the lessons learned during this time.
As I navigate this uncertainty, I dream of a world where we value relationships over material goods, where paid sick leave and healthcare access become priorities because we understand their collective significance. Perhaps we will carry forward the memories of those who helped us and the sacrifices made by healthcare workers who put their own lives on hold to care for others.
Ultimately, the hope is for a sense of unity, a shared understanding that we came together during this crisis to protect the most vulnerable among us.
For further insights on navigating these changes, check out this other blog post, or explore Make a Mom for expert advice on home insemination. For those interested in pregnancy and fertility, the Cleveland Clinic is an excellent resource.
In summary, as we move beyond this crisis, we’re left to contemplate what our world will look like and how we can emerge stronger, more unified, and more compassionate than before.
Leave a Reply