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Can you believe it’s been 18 months since we first entered the world of a pandemic? It feels like we’re all running on fumes, frustrated with this time that seems to have both raced by and dragged on endlessly. If you can, cast your mind back to when we first encountered the term “novel coronavirus.” It was a different world then. Initially, there was an air of optimism that things would be back to normal soon, but as time went on, we tried to find joy in the chaos—even if that joy sometimes came in the form of cocktails made with those lemons we were handed.
The spring of 2020 was a tumultuous period filled with uncertainty, presenting a completely altered landscape. In hindsight, there was a strange comfort in the collective experience of navigating uncharted waters—until it became clear that we were not all in the same boat. Enter pandemic nostalgia.
Different people experienced this time in diverse ways. Were you among the working parents who suddenly became teachers? Or perhaps you adapted to remote work with little warning? Maybe you were a high school senior who missed significant milestones like prom and graduation, or, most heartbreakingly, you lost a loved one too soon. We all faced losses. This past year and a half is time we can never reclaim. So why do we find ourselves reminiscing about it?
What Is Pandemic Nostalgia?
Nostalgia, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a mix of pleasure and sadness stemming from remembering the past and wishing to relive those moments. But pandemic nostalgia? Did we really find pleasure in this experience? Honestly, once we finally emerge from this, I would be happy to never revisit it again—not in my lifetime, nor in my children’s, or even their children’s. Science, however, reminds us that this isn’t the first pandemic, and it certainly won’t be the last. So what are we truly nostalgic for?
According to Dr. Lisa Thompson, a psychologist who specializes in nostalgia, “Reflecting on positive outcomes from the pandemic is a way for people to process their experiences and grow.” When you think about it that way, it makes sense. Early on, the phrase “We’re all in this together” filled our screens, inboxes, and conversations.
For some, the start of the pandemic felt like an unexpected pause. With nowhere to go and fewer distractions, many took the opportunity to explore new hobbies or focus on personal growth. Connections with loved ones deepened—conversations became more meaningful. Life seemed simpler, especially for those who didn’t have to juggle multiple responsibilities.
It’s no wonder many look back fondly on those early days. We were baking bread and applauding healthcare workers instead of engaging in divisive arguments. We crafted paper hearts to display in our windows, reminding ourselves and our kids that, despite the challenges, humanity ultimately perseveres. The tough truth, however, is that many realized that people they thought they knew showed a different side during this crisis.
Navigating the Space Between Then and Now
As time went on, the initial sense of unity faded. While we wished for solidarity, reality quickly proved otherwise. Our world was flipped upside down from day one, and the vigilance needed to protect our loved ones became overwhelming. We shifted from sharing masks and sanitizers with neighbors to questioning their choices not to use them.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve witnessed significant social justice movements and participated in pivotal elections, striving for more rational leadership. Conversely, we’ve also faced troubling political unrest, making life feel more like a screenplay than reality. So, where do we go from here?
A year and a half is a significant stretch, and even now, we’re still grappling with the remnants of this pandemic. Nostalgia for something still ongoing is perplexing. While some have chosen to return to pre-pandemic norms, many of us are still cautiously awaiting this so-called “new normal.”
Although we will leave many aspects of our pre-pandemic lives behind, we should carry forward lessons of kindness, compassion, and the understanding that we are all part of one human family navigating this complex journey together. That’s what I find myself longing for.
For more insights on navigating these changes, check out this other blog post. Also, if you’re looking to enhance your fertility journey, you might want to explore resources from Make a Mom, which offers valuable information.
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Summary:
The article discusses the phenomenon of “pandemic nostalgia,” reflecting on the early days of the pandemic when many felt a sense of community and opportunity for personal growth amid chaos. It explores the various experiences individuals faced during this time and how the initial feelings of unity soon dissipated. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion as we navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.