The Many Sides We See

Over the past year, I have been going through some extraordinary changes in my life. I know I am not alone. Whether you are suffering from the effects of COVID or have added COVID to your everyday struggles. The Many Sides We See of ourselves and others have made our lives totally different.

One Side

At the start of this pandemic, people started looking at their daily routine a little differently. From washing hands to wearing a mask, to limiting travel just to name a few. Over the past year, this has become the “New Norm.”

What is your “New Norm?”

How would you define the “New Norm?”

What adjustments have you made?

We have gone through many changes in their lifestyles over the past year. We have overcome as a society to learn new ways of doing things. We have all learned to adjust the way things have been done in our lives.

Just a few things to point out. Who thought it would easier to work from home? Most people who have careers which are spent on a computer have taken the computer home. We have converted a section of our home into an office. Our children are on the computers more, not playing games, but taking classes. They have learned that no matter how much snow we get, we still have school.

Things we took for granted like going out for dinner with a friend or family. Now we have to see what the COVID numbers allow for seating in our favorite restaurant. Just remember that you will need to keep your mask on until you have a drink in front of you. And put your mask on before you head to the restroom.

The one side of our “New Norm” has made people become more aware of themselves and the people around them. Most everyone has stepped up to make a difference or change in their lives. The times of just grabbing your keys to head to the store have faded. now you need to make sure you have your mask and hand sanitizer.

 

Another Side

Over the past year, many people have lost their jobs due to business closings from the pandemic. The unemployment rates across most countries have reached record numbers. Islands in the Caribbean that depend on tourists from cruise have lost millions in revenue. This has all together has had people isolating themselves at home. Something no one would ever imagine.

How has the pandemic affected you?

What have you done to stay emotionally balanced?

Has the isolation affected you emotionally?

We have lived in culture for many years with stress, anxiety, depression, frustration, and a whole list of emotional changes. The fact we have become isolated in our own homes and lost employment has to have some effect. The time when work and financial income created everyday stressors that were manageable, has now increased because the work has gone, but the bills still need to be paid.

Sure some financial institutions and the government have given some financial relief. However, the bills still keep coming in, and those monthly interest charges are still getting added. Yes, some of the financial commitments have some great relief programs for repayment options. But if you are out of work and the unemployment income is coming to an end, what will you do?

There are options of starting a new career while looking for work. For some this just may be a blessing in disguise. Some people will be looking into a position as a career they have never have the time or effort to pursue.

The Many Sides

Although we all have managed to continue moving forward during this pandemic. We have learned to make many adjustments in the way things get accomplished. There are those people that we come in contact with who still use the same excuse for not getting things done. I’m sure I am not the only one who could say I am sick of the same excuse no matter where you go. That things have slowed down “Due to the Pandemic.”

Yes, the pandemic has changed many sides of our life. We have made adjustments to overcome this pandemic. Some of these adjustments have been for the better while others have made things a little difficult. We are a world of people that have overcome many disasters by working together.

It has been almost a year since the world went on a pretty much lockdown. We have persevered to make changes that we never thought would ever happen. Some people have been working remotely for close to or over a year now. Using the pandemic as an excuse not to get things done is just that, an excuse.

We have made these changes for the safety of everyone. Someday we will look back at this time and wonder how we made it without a home office before the pandemic. Let us face the facts. If we can do a job from home in our pj’s, why did we go to the office before? Sure some people need that social interaction. It’s healthy to have social interactions. It has been proven by a number of corporations that employees that now work from home are getting more accomplished. Some find that you don’t need to be in an office to have meetings or do some additional training.

Those people who can work in an office without interruptions should very well be about to work from a location that they feel much more comfortable. Stop using the excuse that this pandemic, which has been around for over a year, has slowed your progress. If you are having difficulty working from a comfortable environment like your own personal space. Maybe it is time to move on to another career and give the job to someone that was forced out of work due to this pandemic. Goals can be accomplished with the right people in the right position.

Conclusion

There are many stories in this world regarding this pandemic. Some of these stories are great successes of people willing to overcome the setback and move forward. We also heard those stories of people struggling to make ends meet. Together we can overcome another setback in this world. We have done it before, we can do it again. One of the keys is to try to remain patient. Easier said than done, especially if you have PTSD.

These are just my views. You may agree with some of my concepts, or you may not. This is what makes us all human. No 2 people are exactly alike.

Thank you for reading.

Please share a comment. I would love to hear how you have been coping with the pandemic.