The View From Here – How Has The Pandemic Changed You?

I saw the headline earlier this week – “Who were you before COVID-19 hit, and who are you now?” 

It’s interesting to see just how much this pandemic has changed people.  I don’t think there’s any doubt it’s effected each and every one of us in a different way.

It’s almost hard to remember life before covid it’s been so long.  I miss not being afraid.  I miss the freedom.  I think the rules and restrictions are EXHAUSTING.  It’s always in the back of your head.  It has kept me from venturing out for anything other than the basics.

I’m not a social person.  I don’t do dinner parties or big events.  I don’t travel.  So I don’t miss any of that.  I miss the small stuff.  I miss meeting friends for coffee, sharing laughs and life.   I miss hugging someone when I see them.

I wonder how I will adjust to the old way of life.

I’m a shy girl.  Always have been.  It took me years to force myself to overcome the shyness.  To go somewhere alone, or go to an exercise class without hyperventilating first or walking out before anyone saw me.  I’m not sure how easily I will adjust to being back in the world with people again.  I’ve grown accustomed to being alone.  It’s comfortable now.

I think, as others have expressed, it’s been so discouraging to see some of the things people have said to each other through this pandemic.  There’s been a lot of division.  In the beginning – way back last March – I think we felt we were in this together.  Now it feels almost like it’s every man for him or her self.  You feel you have to defend your feelings.  That’s kind of sad. So I guess there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to be out there in the world again.

I’m not sure how easy it will be to go back to work.  In a building.  To rush around and get dressed for the day and get out the door on time.  I feel like I’ve forgotten how.   Life is easier working at home.  In comfy clothes.  Though there are days I do miss getting dressed up.  Carrying a purse.  Having somewhere to GO and to be.

I wonder if we will ever get back to the way things were.  I wonder how strange it will be to hug people at random or stand closer than six feet apart.  I feel like I’ve forgotten how to talk to people.  How to make the “small talk” we used to make.

For me, I’ve never experienced this kind of anxiety.  Waking up in the night and feeling worried.  Feeling every sniffle or sore throat as impending doom. Always wondering “is this covid?”  It’s not as bad now as it was.  Thank goodness.  And I don’t know about you, but somedays it feels like it’s up to you to be strong for everyone around you.  To put on the brave face and pretend it’s all okay and you aren’t really worried.  Exhausting.

No new movies or tv shows to talk about.

All those ridiculous headlines that used to be “news” like what the Kardashians are up to, what Hollywood couple is dating or divorcing.  All that stuff that used to be headlines, all gone. I don’t mind that at all.

I think we’ve all learned what matters in our lives.

It’s people.  It’s relationship.  It’s being able to share life together.  Connection.

I can’t wait for this pandemic to be over, but I’m not sure I want to go back to the way things were exactly.

I know it’s made us appreciate so much.  It’s made me realize stuff doesn’t matter nearly as much as I might have thought.

Just because you have 500 friends on Facebook doesn’t mean they are your friends.  The ones that check on you, reach out to you, message or call you – those are the ones to keep close in your circle moving forward.

How have you changed through the pandemic?

Share your thoughts by emailing me —   cbuchanan@blackburnradio.com

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan