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I can still recall those early days of March 2020, when the consensus was that lockdowns would last a few weeks, maybe a month, before we returned to “normal.” Yet, those weeks turned into months, and by summer, a noticeable chasm developed between those adhering to social distancing protocols and those seemingly oblivious to the rising hospitalizations and daily fatalities. The idea of “normal” began to feel increasingly like a distant dream.
We find ourselves in a challenging phase of a global pandemic. Vaccination rates vary significantly by region and country, and many are feeling the strain of isolation, eager to socialize again—often in ways that may not be the wisest, as seen in the reports surrounding the Texas Rangers’ opening game. While some continue to wear masks, there’s a growing trend of individuals opting to forgo them as social activities ramp up. Families are reuniting, friends are gathering, and sports are returning to pre-pandemic formats, even though the pandemic is far from over. We may glimpse a light at the end of the tunnel, but its distance remains uncertain.
I urge my fellow citizens to pause and take a collective, masked breath before diving headfirst back into a semblance of normalcy, as I fear we might be moving too quickly. More importantly, we should reflect on whether we genuinely wish to return to the pre-March 2020 status quo.
Don’t misunderstand me. I long for the simple pleasures of dining out with my partner, relishing buttered popcorn in a crowded theater, and enjoying live performances. I miss attending worship services without the constant worry about health precautions.
However, not every aspect of life during the COVID-19 era has been negative. We should take the opportunity to learn from the past year instead of rushing back into harmful habits and practices. We are so eager to move on that we risk overlooking the value of stillness and introspection.
Just ask educators how much has been lost. During the spring of 2020, parents across the nation extolled teachers, acknowledging their hard work and advocating for better pay, realizing their struggles when thrust into the role of educators themselves. Teachers adapted overnight, collaborating with peers across states and even countries to innovate online learning methods.
Yet, as the 2020-2021 school year approached, the criticism of teachers surged again. Parents and taxpayers voiced frustration that educators were not working hard enough, demanding school reopenings without necessary funding for safety measures. The concerns were valid—parents needed to return to work, students required safe learning conditions, and teachers feared for their health. Many teachers thought of healthcare workers who had already made the ultimate sacrifice and were reluctant to put themselves in similar jeopardy.
The past year has shown that “normal” came at a steep price. So, I ask again, do we truly want to revert to the old ways?
I don’t want to return to a world where essential workers—grocery clerks, medical professionals, delivery drivers, farmers, and educators—are overlooked and underpaid. I don’t want to go back to the expectation of showing up for work while sick, or the notion that in-person presence is always superior to remote work, even at the risk of spreading illness.
I hope to see schools encouraging parents to keep their sick children home rather than rewarding perfect attendance. Students should be able to continue learning from home until they’re well again, and parents should have the flexibility to facilitate that.
I want to foster a culture where mask-wearing and hand hygiene are standard during cold and flu seasons, as we’ve seen significant drops in flu and other illnesses this past year. Public health should be a shared responsibility, and we should maintain the practices that have kept our families healthier than ever.
I don’t wish to revert to a world obsessed with busyness, where every moment is scheduled. My family has experienced the benefits of slowing down, and we should embrace that newfound freedom.
Lastly, I don’t want to forget the lessons learned from events like the protests following George Floyd’s murder. We shouldn’t return to being too busy to acknowledge the injustices affecting our communities. Our lives are interconnected, and the well-being of our neighbors directly impacts our own families.
Just as a forest regenerates after a fire, our lives will change post-pandemic. While it’s natural to long for the past, we should also envision a better future. We have an opportunity to improve upon the way things were.
If you’re interested in exploring related topics, this article on home insemination kits might be insightful, as well as information from Make a Mom regarding at-home insemination. For further resources, check out Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
Summary
As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s crucial to reflect on whether we truly want to return to the pre-COVID-19 lifestyle. The crisis has taught us valuable lessons about public health, the importance of essential workers, and the need for a balanced life. Let’s envision a better future instead of rushing back to old habits.