I vividly recall the early days of March 2020. There were whispers that we might be in lockdown for just a few weeks, perhaps a month, after which everything would revert to “normal.” But those few weeks stretched into months, and by summer, a chasm had formed between those who adhered to social distancing guidelines and those who acted as if the crisis had passed, even as hospitals filled and lives were lost in staggering numbers.
The concept of “normal” began to feel like an elusive dream, one that seemed increasingly out of reach.
We find ourselves in a challenging phase of a global health crisis. Vaccinations are underway, yet the uptake varies widely by region and country. Many people are weary of being confined and are eager to socialize again, sometimes participating in activities that seem unwise (just look at the reports surrounding the Texas Rangers’ opening game). While some continue to wear masks, a growing number are opting to forgo them as they reengage in social interactions. Families are reuniting, friends are reconnecting, and sports are returning to pre-pandemic norms.
Though the pandemic is not over, we can dimly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, we still don’t know how far away that light truly is.
I urge my fellow citizens to take a collective breath—while masked—before rushing back to a semblance of normality. I worry we might be leaping in too soon. Moreover, we need to reflect on whether we genuinely want to return to the pre-March 2020 status quo.
Let me clarify: I miss the occasional dinner out with my partner. I long for the experience of sitting in a darkened theater, devouring buttery popcorn while enjoying a film with a crowd. I yearn for live performances and concerts, and I miss attending worship services without the anxiety of whether everyone is masked and trying to keep each other healthy.
However, not all aspects of living through the pandemic have been negative. Rather than reflecting on the lessons we’ve learned over the past year, many are rushing back into old habits and detrimental practices. Eager to leave the last year behind, we risk overlooking the benefits of stillness and reflection.
Consider the educators. In spring 2020, parents across the nation praised teachers, realizing the complexity of their roles when they had to step in as educators themselves. Teachers adapted to new technology overnight, collaborating with peers across the globe to find effective methods for online learning.
But as we approached the start of the 2020-2021 school year, criticism of teachers surged once more. Parents and taxpayers expressed frustration that teachers sought compensation for what they perceived as a lack of productivity, demanding schools reopen without adequate funding to ensure the safety of students and staff. All concerns were valid: parents needed to return to work, students required safe learning environments, and teachers feared for their health and lives.
The past year has shown that returning to “normal” comes with consequences. So I ask again: do we truly wish to revert to the way things were?
I don’t want to go back to a world where we overlook the essential workers who keep our lives running smoothly—grocery clerks, medical personnel, delivery drivers, and educators—who deserve both respect and fair compensation. I don’t want to return to a culture where showing up for work while ill is the norm. I want to eliminate the expectation that working from home is less valuable, leading to the spread of illness among colleagues.
I refuse to accept a reality where parents feel compelled to send their sick children to school. Schools should prioritize the health of students over perfect attendance, allowing them to engage in learning from home until they recover. Parents must also be permitted to make these decisions without fear of workplace repercussions.
I hope for a future where public health is a shared responsibility and where practices like mask-wearing and frequent hand-washing become standard during cold and flu seasons. The past year has shown a significant drop in various illnesses, and I want to maintain the health benefits we’ve gained.
I don’t wish to revert to a society that glorifies busyness over mindfulness. Our family is experiencing this firsthand as our son participates in two sports, leading to back-to-back practices and weekend games. As Americans, we have long revered the idea of constant activity, but many of us have discovered the value of unstructured time. We should embrace this newfound appreciation and allow ourselves the flexibility to prioritize quiet moments in our lives.
I refuse to return to a world that overlooks the systemic injustices highlighted by the tragic events surrounding George Floyd. I want to remain aware of the challenges faced by our neighbors and recognize that our well-being is interconnected. The pandemic has taught us that the health and safety of our communities directly affect our families.
When a fire consumes a forest, it clears away the old and makes way for new growth. Though the forest will regenerate, it will be changed, often for the better. Even those least affected by COVID-19 will emerge from this experience transformed. While it is natural to long for a return to “normal,” we must avoid romanticizing the past. Before we rush back, let’s envision a future that could be significantly better than what we left behind.
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Summary
This article reflects on the hesitance to return to pre-pandemic life, questioning if the “normal” we once knew is truly desirable. It emphasizes the lessons learned during the pandemic, advocating for a future that prioritizes public health, mindfulness, and respect for essential workers. The author calls for a collective pause to reflect on the changes we wish to maintain moving forward.