Six months ago -- 185 days to be precise -- the world and daily life changed dramatically. While it feels like nothing has moved forward, a lot has changed and new habits have evolved for many people. So, what have we encountered? Let's take stock of some of it all.
Curbside pickup for groceries, takeout meals and many other retail outlets came from efforts to reduce contact, while also maintaining a scaled back business operation. Curbside -- a new word for the colloquial lexicon.
Many of us now own a collection of masks with many some making fashion statements or advertising our favourite sports teams, TV characters or activities. They go with me every day, everywhere, even when I don't expect to enter a public building. They are there "just in case." I've tried many styles -- pleated or not, tie and elastic -- and tried my hand at making a couple of these. One made of denim, will be used soon as the temperatures drop a bit.
Social distancing seems more common, such that when someone steps closer than 2 meters, a sense of frustration or panic ensues. It can be difficult in social social situations to keep that distance when we are so used to being closer. <sigh>
For me, walking occurs almost daily.This not only helps with stress feelings, but is a reason to leave the house and see the wider world around me. Watching the seasons change during the daily walks has helped me see that some things continue as expected.
Mastering video platforms has become a requirement for distanced communications. I've lost count but it might be up to seven or eight different ones over the past 6 months when I'd used only one with any regularity up to that point. More new-to-me ones are in the offing, too. Such software programs have been helpful for virtual conference presentations, meetings with people across the country or across town, a way to enjoy live music and drama when we can't travel or sit in a large auditorium or theatre, and to keep in touch with friends and family. I'll admit it is still far from being face-to-face, but seeing faces while hearing voices helps a bit. it beats listening to a disembodied voice. <smile> In some cases, virtual meetings may be overused and result in meeting fatigue. With a bit more time, I expect this will get sorted out.
On the down side, canceling many travel plans for business and personal reasons has been difficult for many of us. Not seeing family and good friends has been painful, but we will get there. We just have to get to the point of managing this new risk. New travel insurance now exists for COVID-19 only, since the disease was categorized as a known risk with regular travel health insurance. So the industries are worling to close the gaps for travelers.
When looking through all of this, it shows me we are adaptable. Yet, limits exist as to how much we are willing to accept -- there can be little tolerance some days for any further changes. With stress management techniques, this too can work a bit better. But -- I desperately want to get back to some activities that have been put on hold and have been altered so they won't be experienced in the same way nor perhaps take for granted. Travel to visit those I care for and to do further research on the current major project are at the top of my list. These six months have clearly shown me what my priorities will be <smile>.
A song lyric ran through my head that fit with what I miss the most -- traveling to see all those people that I love dearly. Stay safe. Enjoy!
On the Road Again -- Willie Nelson
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