It’s week 13 of “Corona Diaries”, and it might just be the last one. The scare is far from over. But times are changing, personally and socially. I’m returning to work this week after working from home. When running errands, less and less people are wearing masks. I still do, but I understand the city needs to open up again, as people go stir-crazy. The economy certainly needs a boost.
But more importantly, during these last few months, I’ve had some affirmations. So here’s 3 things I’ve learned about myself/humanity. And I’m still learning, so this is by no means exhaustive.
I’ve learned that some of my favorite activities are solidarity, and returning to them has been a joy.
Reading. Writing. Running. All of these things are done by myself. And items I neglected, at least as standalone activities, in fear they weren’t productive. But that time alone has been super helpful in processing what I want and what I love. I’m lucky to be introverted. I get excited and keep on writing projects or run faster, longer. Even if it’s a Pop Sugar Fitness lesson on YouTube.
“Do what you love” is an idiom filled with privilege. Having choices and the ability to do what I love, without fear, are gifts not everyone has. So I need to keep doing these activities but be mindful that not everyone receives ’em.
But I’ve also learned that people need people.
I started reconnecting to people right before the pandemic. And I don’t want to use the scare as an excuse to lose these people again. I feel lucky to be “stuck” at home with someone, but I don’t want to be 100% dependent on one person. It’s impossible to give one individual every role.
And it’s true for teamwork, too. I’m so lucky to have a colleague who cares about daily check-ins. And I realize, now more than ever, that co-workers need each other. Even if it’s just reminders to “hang in there.” I’ve loved working from home because of the routine and care to keep each other focused, seeing how our work was better when we collaborated.
Lastly, I’ve learned change takes time.
And this is true for a lot, from the #workinprogress results from the BLM protests, business and culture in a post-pandemic society, and personal affects: learning a new language. Realizing a mask is a choice (but the right one!).
Change is scary, but that’s where progress comes in. I’m glad to have made some changes to my schedule, like regular blog writing. The change, beyond the weekly post guarantee? I’m less intimidated by the blank screen. And I think change is both a physical and mental game. Do we need change? Yes, for still respecting social distancing. Yes, for people of color finally getting heard. Yes, for listening to one another. So I ask you, what lessons have you learned during Corona? What are you still learning?