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.