The Future

The other day, one of my granddaughters asked me what I thought the world would be like once the pandemic is over. It seems to me that the signs are already starting to appear when it comes to the new post-pandemic normal.

            For one thing people seem to more community minded, to care more for those around them, be they relatives or neighbors, than they used to. People are more conscious that many individuals have lost their income and are struggling in so many ways. That’s the reason people who are in a position to do so have been generous in supporting all sorts of agencies and volunteering to help to those who need it. People are also checking regularly on those around them to offer assistance. I believe that this caring will continue because the pandemic has taught us that we must rely on each other if we are to survive.

 Right now, loneliness is a major side effect of covid as people have been isolating at home and working remotely and, as a result, are cut off from regular outside relationships. One fellow who has been working at home for almost a year told me recently that he not only misses his coworkers, but that he also misses his connection with those he saw everyday--from those on the commuter train to the young woman who prepared his coffee every morning. “They are not friends by any means,” he said, “but I still miss not seeing them, not interacting with them.” In the future new normal, I believe we’ll be much more aware of all those who make our lives more pleasant in many small ways.

And I believe that will include our realization that we should deal with people in our neighborhoods instead of going afar when it comes to purchases and services. Small businesses have been very impacted by covid and we should make a point of helping them get back on their feet.

            Another result of the pandemic is that people are realizing that there is more to life than material things. I believe that the new post-pandemic normal will be simpler and more geared to the important things in our lives. We realize how much we missed being with family and friends so will cherish them more.   

One thing is clear, first and foremost we have to take care of our world and of those around us because we’re all in this together.