As is my habit, I was flipping through the Sunday morning news shows and came across an excellent panel discussion on how the pandemic has permanently changed our lives. The premise: there is no such thing as a post-pandemic world. This is our new reality, and it is unlikely we will return to the go-go era of yesteryear.
Certainly, the pandemic took a toll on our physical and mental health. On Meet the Press, I learned that in the past year:
42 percent of us gained weight
Two-thirds had trouble sleeping
One-half were less physically active
One-quarter of Americans drank more
And we lost an average of a year in life expectancy.
But, despite all of this bad stuff, the redeeming factor is that we are now taking stock of our lives. Reporter Kate Snow described this as our Summer of Reset.
For many of us, this reset has begun. We have come out of the pandemic with a stronger commitment to our families, have learned to appreciate the quiet moments, and really want to slow the pace. Time and purpose now matter more than they ever have.
I’ve certainly seen a change in myself. I was extraordinarily uncomfortable with the isolation I experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. But gradually, I learned to adjust and even appreciate my new circumstances. Instead of doing a million different things and, frankly, just scratching the surface (what’s the old saying – a mile wide and an inch deep?) I now had time to think. My priorities shifted to more reflective activities, such as walking and reading.
And I doubt this will change. To be sure, I am loving every minute of catching up with old acquaintances, and being able to once again hit the road. But this is done now with a new-found intention. I more deeply value my friends and family, and I appreciate the insight and privilege that comes with travel.
On the same morning talk show, psychologist Adam Grant addressed the trauma we’ve felt in the past year. He pointed out that while 15 percent are so badly affected by trauma they acquire PTSD, more – 50 percent – experience post traumatic growth.
I hope this growth is happening for you. The past 15-plus months have been awful, but we just might come out of this tumultuous year more content and with a stronger sense of purpose.