Last time I blogged, I claimed that things would never really get back to normal. And there were a few comments that were made on Facebook, so I will include them here.
Diane said, "I agree things will never get back to normal not just because of the COVID-19 virus, but also because while we are busy fighting for the lives of our fellow Americans Trump has been eviscerating the entire government and especially defunding anything to do with healthcare, safety, education and well you got it anything to do with human beings. In addition it’s pursuit of more money for himself and his buddies is massively speeding up climate change. So rest up it’s going to get real!"
Marion commented, "Hard to really grasp the enormity of the changes that may be permanent ."
And Jackie posted, "Normal as we knew it was in need of improvement. I only hope we learn enough from this experience to reset our priorities as a society."
And that sets up something I've been thinking about: what are some of the positive things that we are seeing now, that we would like to be part of a new normal? At our last Tuesday morning Coffee Klatch, Mary Beth and Beth and I came up with some ideas.
1. Parents are spending more time with their kids. Well, it's forced on them, you might say. And that's true. Parents are working from home as their kids school from home. But I see people on the street walking with their kids, having fun as they walk or ride bike, or push a stroller. I think this is a definite plus. Kids are getting more attention from their parents.
2. There's more creativity being employed for everyday celebrations. There's a walking group in Forest Park (and
most likely in other communities as well) and every week there are a couple of days where residents are encouraged to put pictures on a particular theme in their windows. And then parents and children can walk by and see how many they can find. There are in the street candlelight safe distance vigils for someone who has lost a relative. There are birthday celebrations that may be a yard full of signs for a child, or a parade of cars going by with signs and message to the birthday girl or boy. I heard about Zoom Seders this past week (called Zeders). And I heard about two neighbors on the same floor in a condo building, sitting in their doorways across from each other, sitting in chairs in their Easter finery, and sipping tea and having cookies.
3. There's more cooking and baking. Tried to get yeast lately? Or maybe find you are grabbing the last package of flour? I think this is a good thing. I think that means people are perhaps eating more real food and taking the time to make food and celebrate food. As my daughter says, "Food is Love."
4. There's a greater appreciation for the arts, when we can't have what is always available. Maybe you have watched live streams of concerts. Maybe you have enjoyed a free broadcast of opera, or Broadway musicals, or classic plays. Or maybe you've tuned into a Facebook live event where a musician is performing at home, in their living room.
5. People are more interested in gardening. Reports are that seed companies are overwhelmed with online orders. I know I am excited about my garden and the things I have already planted (and yes, they survived the snow.)
6. More connection with people. Admit it. You have called people or had Zoom meetings with people with whom you not talked for years, perhaps. And you find yourself spending an hour or more catching up, and really enjoying it. I heard of a couple who have Zoom dinner with other couples they are unable to visit. They both cook the same meal, and sit and eat and talk on Zoom.
7. People are reading more. You've probably picked up a book you've been meaning to reading. Or pulled off a shelf something you read years ago, and now you are enjoying the reread.
8. More neighborliness. I see people regularly being concerned about their neighbors and doing what they can to help others. It might be as simple as responding on Facebook about their shopping experience and who has hand sanitizer or toilet paper on the shelf.
9. The pace of life seems to have slowed down. Okay, I am sure there are exceptions, such as front line medical personnel. Maybe other essential workers in high demand. But for many, there are fewer meeting and pressing demands. More time to just be.
These are some of the positive things we are seeing, and would like to be part of our new normal.
What about you? What things are you noticing that are positive, not part of the old normal, but something you'd like to see in a new normal, when we get there?
posted by Etta Worthington
Diane said, "I agree things will never get back to normal not just because of the COVID-19 virus, but also because while we are busy fighting for the lives of our fellow Americans Trump has been eviscerating the entire government and especially defunding anything to do with healthcare, safety, education and well you got it anything to do with human beings. In addition it’s pursuit of more money for himself and his buddies is massively speeding up climate change. So rest up it’s going to get real!"
Marion commented, "Hard to really grasp the enormity of the changes that may be permanent ."
And Jackie posted, "Normal as we knew it was in need of improvement. I only hope we learn enough from this experience to reset our priorities as a society."
And that sets up something I've been thinking about: what are some of the positive things that we are seeing now, that we would like to be part of a new normal? At our last Tuesday morning Coffee Klatch, Mary Beth and Beth and I came up with some ideas.
1. Parents are spending more time with their kids. Well, it's forced on them, you might say. And that's true. Parents are working from home as their kids school from home. But I see people on the street walking with their kids, having fun as they walk or ride bike, or push a stroller. I think this is a definite plus. Kids are getting more attention from their parents.
2. There's more creativity being employed for everyday celebrations. There's a walking group in Forest Park (and
4. There's a greater appreciation for the arts, when we can't have what is always available. Maybe you have watched live streams of concerts. Maybe you have enjoyed a free broadcast of opera, or Broadway musicals, or classic plays. Or maybe you've tuned into a Facebook live event where a musician is performing at home, in their living room.
5. People are more interested in gardening. Reports are that seed companies are overwhelmed with online orders. I know I am excited about my garden and the things I have already planted (and yes, they survived the snow.)
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| Yes, that's spinach, folks! |
7. People are reading more. You've probably picked up a book you've been meaning to reading. Or pulled off a shelf something you read years ago, and now you are enjoying the reread.
8. More neighborliness. I see people regularly being concerned about their neighbors and doing what they can to help others. It might be as simple as responding on Facebook about their shopping experience and who has hand sanitizer or toilet paper on the shelf.
9. The pace of life seems to have slowed down. Okay, I am sure there are exceptions, such as front line medical personnel. Maybe other essential workers in high demand. But for many, there are fewer meeting and pressing demands. More time to just be.
These are some of the positive things we are seeing, and would like to be part of our new normal.
What about you? What things are you noticing that are positive, not part of the old normal, but something you'd like to see in a new normal, when we get there?
posted by Etta Worthington
