I can’t wait to travel, go to concerts, see movies in a theater, Broadway opening, festivals celebrating holidays, and a classroom full of students.
With the COVID-19 vaccinations creating a herd immunity, I’m looking forward to getting back to normal. But as I continue to think about this normalcy I have desired for over a year, I wonder if it will ever be the same as it was before Friday, March 13th, 2020.
There are some things, positive and negative, that I have learned during this time of lockdown and social distancing. I learned how much I miss people. I miss hugging them and seeing them in person. I am thankful for technology allowing us to Zoom and Face Time, but I am ready to have a conversation face to face with my family, friends, and students. I learned that dry hands are on trend. A rule with my boys is that if we see hand sanitizer we use it. This is at the grocery store and school. We’ve become so use to using it, that it is second nature and I’m proud of my dry hands. I’ve learned that I prefer space. My boys have been active in outdoor sports, and sitting in the bleachers, I really appreciated the six foot rule that gave me leg room. I’ve learned that I need to travel. I canceled multiple vacations last year, and I’m ready to travel! I’ve learned that COVID-19 hurt more than we could imagine. Lives lost, businesses lost, homes lost, and families torn apart. Now is the time to support each other and support local. I’ve learned that even though I’m fully vaccinated, when I’m out running errands and teaching, I want to make sure those around me are comfortable. And, if that means that I need to wear a mask to ensure others comfort and safety, I will.
While things are getting back to normal, I think we need to be ready for a “NEW NORMAL”. We need to be aware of others and their comfort levels. It will take time for everyone to feel safe, and that’s OK! Others might feel safe right now, and they are ready to take on the world, and that’s OK! We just need to do what we are ready for. Me personally, I’m in the middle. I feel safe, but the feeling comes from me still being cautious. I’m still watching out for my kids and maintaining their safety.
I’m looking forward to the new normal. I think we will continue to learn more about ourselves, society, science, and life. Now is the time to determine where you fall in this new normal and remember to maintain your personal comfort level.
