Have you kicked 2020 to the curb? For a number that represents perfect vision, 2020 managed to blur everyone’s vision and plans. However, before we rush into 2021, let’s reflect on what we can learn from the past 290 days of disruption, sheltering-in-place, social distancing, masking and, at times, total chaos.
Flexibility
We learned to be flexible. Most likely, each of us had plans for the past year that didn’t work out. Vacations, family visits, school or job security may top the lists. Yet, after some frustration, grieving and a little complaining, we did our best to move forward to find a way to overcome these challenges. One of the ways we surmounted these roadblocks was with technology.
Technology
We learned new technial skills. From the oldest to the youngest, chances are we’ve all been on a virtual video call. Families and businesses are rocking the airwaves with ZOOM, SKYPE or WhatsApp. We do not need to jump on a plane for every business meeting or sales call. It’s now acceptable to handle long-distance business with virtual technology.
New Ways of Shopping
We learned to change the way we do business. I, for one, like the car pick-up and delivery options. We can shop local online or buy a car without setting foot on the car lot. These options provide less hassle and more time to spend in other areas that bring me joy.
Employees have been asking for flex in their work schedule and location. Now we have it, plus a relaxed dress code. Working from home has its rewards and challenges; 41% of the employees would prefer to return to the office. The upside is, we now have more options.
Our Personal Lives
We learned more about our families and ourselves–filling the hours with hiking, walking, board games, puzzles, bingeing on Netflix, Hulu, and other television programs. We found new ways to function in isolation. Our Facebook pages are teeming with creative selfies, YouTube videos and Instagram postings. We built decks, pools and sports areas to enjoy family-centered activities. Families across town are now connecting through technology to keep each other safe. The loss of certain freedoms reminds us that we—no, make that—I am not the most important person on the planet.
Kindness, Consideration, Sensitivity
We learned to think of others, to practice kindness and sensitivity. As Dr. Rachel Zacks points out, “A pandemic can make us realize we are all truly connected, here at home and across the whole world.” A friend of mine lost five family members to COVID. Yes, FIVE. Everyone I know has either had COVID or knows someone in their close circle who has. For others, we wear a mask and are more aware of standing close to others and limit our travel. In my community, I have heard many colleagues remark that people are kinder now. The pace of life has slowed. Our focus changed.
Nothing and Everything Is Normal.
This pandemic has transformed our lives. It will be a long time before we return to the norms of pre-COVID—if ever. We can never change the realities of the past. However, we can change our perspective.
Let’s Rock 2021!
In 2021, we can create a life of gratitude, living our lives with no regrets, showing kindness to all who cross our path. We can choose to take the positives we learned from the past and envision a new norm—a better norm for the future. After all, normal is what we make it. So let’s rock 2021!
What have you learned from your experiences in 2020?
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