It seems like slowly, our world is starting to thaw from the time of rest that was forcefully placed on us due to Covid-19.

Though it may seem premature to be writing as if the pandemic is over, many thoughts have crossed my mind regarding this time. One blaringly loud reminder keeps popping up, which is our ability to adapt.

It’s an admirable trait that all human beings have, and this pandemic has shown that we are able to adapt to things out of our control, with the hopes of making the most of things. Unfortunately it’s also this ability that tends to allow us to forget important lessons from seasons past, as our discomforts and pains dull and fade away and things go back to “normal.”

The pandemic didn’t affect me nearly as much as many of those I’m close with. Other than a confirmed case at my workplace which led to being tested (thankfully negative) and long lines in front of the grocery store, life did seem to go by normally for the most part. The biggest impact it has made has been postponing tentative travel plans, but nothing that can’t wait till later. 

Yet for many, this has been a life-changing experience. For those of you who have lost jobs, loved ones, or anything else, I’m truly sorry. I do hope that this bit of writing will find its way positively into your life. 

There are a few lessons that I’ve tried to take from this time that I thought I would share with you, so here goes. (In no way is this saying you should learn these lessons too….)

It’s important to be social and take initiative in relationships.

I’ve been blessed to have friends from all around the world who have taken the time to video chat, call, or make extra effort to message to stay connected during this time. As a naturally social person, it’s been difficult to not have the option to go out to the bar with friends or enjoy dinner at a restaurant. It’s been a while since I’ve been part of a group setting, and that can wear me down. 

This time has shown me that relationships are vital to our health. For those who have really enjoyed not having to make an excuse to stay at home, I understand. But I would imagine for everyone, being robbed of even a little bit of social interaction has not been pleasant. 

I’m thankful that we have the technologies to be able to speak to people and see their face on a screen. Though it doesn’t beat the real thing, it’s still miles ahead of what we had before. Who remembers pagers and having to choose between using the phone or the internet? 

It’s also taught me that we can be creative in the way we communicate. With our lives becoming busier and busier, it’s nice that we have had the time to explore different ways of communicating with each other, whether it be joint yoga sessions on Zoom or eating and drinking together on Skype. 

I hope this urge to initiate conversations with each other continues once this pandemic fades. 

Be Grateful for The Ability to Go Out and Eat

I love going out to eat. The reminder of how many options we have to choose from when it comes to restaurants has been something I’ve taken for granted. 

On any given night, there are so many different cuisines one can partake in, which is simply an amazing thing. It’s a sad reality that many restaurants won’t survive this pandemic, and I feel challenged to think about the restaurant industry and how unforgiving and unsustainable it actually is. 

Having worked in the restaurant industry for a majority of my adult life, I feel for my friends who own restaurants or have been laid off due to this time, and it simply begs the question: Are we really paying enough for our food?

It’s a shameful fact that on average, North Americans spend a much smaller percentage of their income on food than other places around the world, and unfortunately, the value seems to come from quantity over quality. 

The lifeblood of our culture here depends on the diversity of different ethnic cuisines we can find all over the Fraser Valley, and yet how many of these businesses are struggling, just on the verge of closing?

Don’t get me wrong, bills are expensive. Rent, water, gas, cell phone...I get it. But let’s imagine a world where the only food that’s available are chain restaurants and fast food. It would be a shame, no? 

I hope that this time can be a reminder that we are so lucky to have many restaurants to choose from, and maybe we can spend more money there, to support those who own and work in them.

Remember that We Are Not in Control

Lastly, this pandemic has shown all of us that we aren’t really in control. There are things in life that can happen that can cripple us, that can force us to stay inside, and that can force us to consider what is really important in life. 

But we can control how we respond. By caring for others by isolating ourselves, by showing our appreciation for the medical professionals who have fought this entire time, and by taking this time to find ways to better ourselves, we have shown that we may not be able to control the exterior variables that can dictate our environment, we can control our attitude towards them. 

To all those who took the time to care for the mental and physical health of others as well as themselves, thank you. And let us not forget this time. 

Please feel free to share how this pandemic has changed you for the better!