I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve reinvented myself. My husband kids about wife version 2.0 or 4.6 or version 486. He says it with great affection. He’s a very adaptable guy. I’ve had a bazillion different haircuts, numerous make-up looks, a bunch of clothing styles and some varied athletic pursuits. But that’s what makes life interesting, right?
I think our world is in the midst of reinvention. I know that Mother Nature must roll with the crazy punches that humanity throws at her. But I’m talking about our world as in our way of life.
Coronavirus wasn’t just a pause. I thought it would be a hiccup, but it’s been more like a tsunami.
At first, there was shock and awe. Then there was panic. Next I saw determination and a touch of resilience. After that, some just put their heads down and forged on; others fell into depression, while still others worked on things monumental.
Our world is changing before our very eyes and it’s a strange and wonderful thing. I foresee that things we thought were valuable will become obsolete. I see things that we never thought we needed becoming essential.
People are changing too. I’ve seen memes about it on Facebook. Mentions of family values, cleaner air and cleaner closets. Some folks have found solace in non-movement; others are going stir-crazy. Some folks are finding their political voice; others are getting in touch with their ‘helping or serving’ side and still others are communing with Nature in ways unknown to them until now.
All of this is positive change.
But there is negative change too. Just look at the fight for toilet paper. No, seriously. I don’t want to make light of people’s struggles.
Obvi there is huge economic impact. There are people who haven’t worked in weeks. What does that do to a person’s psyche and sense of worth? There are those who haven’t touched another human being in almost as long. Do we need physical closeness to feel loved and connected? Is a Zoom or Skype call enough to make us feel part of a community?
Social distancing can easily become social isolation. There was talk about this early in the pandemic, but honestly, I have stopped listening to the news so I don’t know if it’s still being discussed.
Even myself, I’ve felt lately like I’ve been spending too much time inside my own head, which can be a dark and critical place. I need fresh perspective. Don’t we all?
I foresee the failing of businesses, attitudes and values that we’ve held dear for decades. I foresee the rise of innovation, creativity and unprecedented grit. I foresee bankruptcy filings alongside new money millionaires. Whatever keeps us going will continue. As a community, a culture, a species, we will adapt, reinvent. I don’t know what it will look like, but it’s gonna be a wild ride.