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I vividly recall those early days in March 2020. Initially, people predicted a brief shutdown—just a few weeks or perhaps a month—before life would resume its normal pace. But what started as a temporary measure stretched into months, and by summer, a noticeable divide emerged between those adhering to social distancing and those acting as if the crisis had passed. The idea of returning to “normal” began to feel like a distant dream, unattainable.
We find ourselves in a complex phase of a global pandemic. Vaccination efforts are underway, yet the rates vary significantly across regions and countries. Many are weary of isolation and eager to socialize again, even if some never truly stopped. As a result, people are seizing opportunities to gather, sometimes in ways that seem risky (the recent Texas Rangers game serves as an example). While some continue to wear masks, an increasing number are opting to forgo them as they engage in more social activities. Families are reuniting, friends are connecting, and sports events are returning to their pre-pandemic formats.
Though the pandemic isn’t over, there is a glimmer of hope visible ahead. Unfortunately, we still lack clarity about how far away that hope truly is.
I urge my fellow citizens to pause and reflect before diving back into some semblance of normalcy. I worry that we may be rushing into it too quickly. More importantly, I believe we should ask ourselves if we genuinely want to revert to the way things were before March 2020.
Don’t misunderstand me; I long for the simple pleasures of dining out with my partner, savoring buttery popcorn in a packed movie theater, and experiencing live performances. I miss attending worship services without concern about mask-wearing and health precautions.
However, not every aspect of life during COVID-19 has been negative. Instead of reflecting on the lessons learned over the past year, we seem eager to resume old habits and questionable practices. In our rush to leave the past behind, we overlook the value of stillness and introspection.
Lessons from Educators
Consider the experiences of teachers. In spring 2020, parents across the nation recognized the challenges educators face and advocated for better pay as they realized the complexity of teaching. Overnight, teachers adapted to new technologies, collaborating across states and even countries to find effective online learning strategies.
Yet as the 2020-2021 school year approached, criticism of teachers resurfaced. Parents and taxpayers voiced concerns about educators wanting compensation without returning to in-person instruction, demanding that schools reopen without adequate funding for safety measures. Each perspective held merit—parents sought to return to work, students needed stable learning environments, and teachers worried about their health and safety. Many educators were reminded of the healthcare professionals who had risked their lives for COVID-19 patients; they didn’t want to become the next casualties.
Over the past year, the notion of “normal” has come at a cost. This leads me to question: do we truly want to revert to our previous state?
I refuse to return to a world where we overlook the essential workers who keep our lives running smoothly—grocery clerks, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, and educators—neglecting to recognize their value and their right to fair wages and benefits. I do not wish to return to a culture that normalizes showing up to work when unwell. I want a world where parents aren’t pressured to send sick kids to school, where perfect attendance isn’t rewarded but rather, we encourage children to stay home to recover while still being able to learn remotely. Employers should support parents in this endeavor.
I want to live in a society where people consider their health before entering public spaces. Mask-wearing and frequent handwashing should become standard practices during flu season, not exceptions. The past year has seen a remarkable decrease in flu cases, demonstrating that we can prioritize public health and well-being.
I also don’t want to return to a time when being busy was glorified, overshadowing the importance of being present. My family is experiencing this firsthand with two sports practices and three games each weekend. As Americans, we have long idolized busyness, but many of us discovered the joy of unstructured time. We should cherish this realization and embrace a more balanced lifestyle.
Finally, I don’t want to forget the lessons learned from the reality of systemic injustice, highlighted by the protests following George Floyd’s murder. I want to remain aware of the inequalities that impact our communities and recognize that our lives are interconnected. The pandemic has shown us that the health and safety of our neighbors directly affect our own families.
When a forest is ravaged by fire, it may lose its old growth, but it regenerates into something new and often improved. Even those least affected by COVID-19 will be irrevocably changed. It is natural to yearn for a return to “normal,” but before we leap back into old habits, let’s envision what a better future could look like.
If we’re honest, the possibilities for a brighter future far exceed those of the past.
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Summary
The article reflects on the complexities of transitioning back to “normal” life post-pandemic. It emphasizes the need to pause and consider what aspects of pre-pandemic life we truly wish to return to, advocating for a more thoughtful approach that recognizes the value of essential workers, prioritizes public health, and embraces a balanced lifestyle. It urges readers to envision a future that could be better than the past.
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