What have you learned from the Coronavirus pandemic?

Here are a few of my thoughts

Spring has arrived! The number of new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continues to decline from the peak in January. The COVID-19 vaccination rollout is accelerating. Many of us have received one or both shots, moving us toward immunity. There is hope that by summer or early fall we will be able to resume many of the activities that we have been restricted from for a year. With all the talk of the new normal, we are now at a good place to reflect back on the past very difficult year, think about what we have learned, and consciously create our new normal rather than just going with the flow. I know that you have dealt with many adjustments, losses, and uncertainties over the past year, causing irritation, sadness, and anxiety. If we are able to review what we have learned we will become more intentional, resilient people.

I have been walking or biking nearly every day the weather permits. I started during the stay-at-home ordered months and continued. Fortunately, we’ve had a mild winter and early spring with most of the snow and bitter cold confined to February. Since I had recently moved, I was able to scope out the new neighborhood, enjoy the beautiful architecture of the homes, and meet new people along the way, some of whom I have started walking with. In my travels, I’ve come across several restaurants and stores I want to explore once we have more freedom of movement. For example, I found a bookstore about six blocks from my house in which all of the nearly 100 books for sale were written and illustrated by the owner of the store!

My existing skill of sending people cards and notes has taken a new focus. Being retired, I have a little more time to intentionally reach out to people who have health issues, have experienced the death of a loved one, or perhaps just need a kind word. Several people told me that the message came at just the right time or that something I said provided comfort or needed encouragement. Their feedback has given me the incentive to continue. This is one small thing I try to do with love for the person I’m writing to.

I have realized that I have no fear of the virus, something that has surprised me, considering the fact that I am in a high risk category because of my age. That doesn’t mean I am being reckless. I wear a mask whenever I go out and have tried to avoid crowds. My healthy lifestyle and weight loss over the past couple years contributes to my confidence. However, my motivation for developing a healthy lifestyle was to be a good steward of my body and live an active life as long as possible. I never intended to build up my immunity to fight off a novel disease! I’ve learned that there can be unintended positive results from changes I make in my habits in my lifestyle. My faith also is a factor in my lack of fear, because I know God is protecting me and will be a source of healing if I would become infected.

Finally, like so many of you, I am partially working from home, with a new vocation — writing! I am trying to write 500 words per day and post what I write to one of several internet sites. I’ve learned a great deal in a short time. It truly is like drinking from a firehose! As is the case with something new, I also realize there is so much I don’t know. I have learned that I enjoy writing immensely. I am connecting with people regularly who give me helpful feedback. I’m not sure where this will go, but I’m excited about the prospects.

So, what have you learned? How will these insights factor into your new normal? I encourage all of you in my audience to take some time over the next few weeks to reflect on your experiences, challenges, losses, and how they have changed you or strengthened you. Make your new normal better than the former pointing you toward the best possible version of yourselves!