2020, the year we all had big dreams!

The year to do greatness.  We are entering a new decade, how exciting… blah, blah, blah… Then Covid-19 happened and turned our lives upside down and inside out.  Nobody saw that coming.  I live in Los Angeles, California. After being mandated to stay at home, shelter in place, all nice ways of saying, do not effing think of leaving your house, or else, like the boogeyman, it will get you.

Having been on lockdown since the last half of March and all of April, we are now entering the third week of May.  The stay at home order is slowly being lifted.   How does one emerge from a worldwide pandemic?  I ask because I honestly do not know.  A bit scared, I feel as though I’ve forgotten how to live outside of this pandemic or Covid-19 situation – Now What Do We Do?.  Some of my daily habits have gone out the window.  I am leery of being in close proximity to neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family.  I envision all of us leaving our caves, shielding our eyes from the bright sunlight, gray hair, beards down to our navel, wearing our face coverings, and approaching everyone like they have the plague.   How do we go about our normal lives and still keep ourselves and the rest of the world safe?

I see myself as a positive person. I may not know how to set the reentry mode into this new world order.  But I am excited of the prospect of how this new landscape will play out.  So instead of fearing the unknown, I choose to embrace it.

Going forward, the world will be different.

We will find that some of us no longer need to make that drive into work.  No babysitting needed, as we are just as effective, if not more so, at working from home. In turn, those who actually need to be present in an office, manufacturing plant, or driving the roads, makes for a more manageable commute.  This inevitably will give us more time in the day to spend time with our family and friends, doing the things that really matter.  Also, less driving and sitting in traffic equals less anxiety and cleaner air to breathe.

Some students may learn they get better grades being homeschooled. Amazing painters, singers, and musicians will surface as they had countless hours to hone their craft.   Brick and mortars may discover that paying high rents is no longer necessary, as they have figured out how to thrive with their online business.  People will realize they love shopping in their onesies while sipping wine, watching Tiger King, and never having to get off their couch.  Others will find life’s good just hanging with family, pets, and having endless alone time.  Perhaps, we may even discover something new about ourselves, such as myself, who learned a new skill in watercolor painting (see inserted photos).

Hopefully, we realize that our own company is pretty darn awesome and learn to love ourselves just a little bit more.  Of course, we will all need to get out and be amongst the living.  We will desire to eat a meal at a fabulous restaurant with friends, which will make those moments extra special.  Roam the mall for some sensory overload.  Or get together (six feet apart) at the beach so we can all collectively vibe and enjoy nature.  

I watched businesses pivot and come out the other side successfully.

Also, on the other side of the coin, I watch those that are annoyed about having to wear a mask during this Covid-19 situation; who feel their freedom is being taken away because they are forced to stay home; their savings account depleted in order to save lives.  I get it.  We all need to process this in our own way.  Speak your feelings, it’s better to get it out and express those feelings.  That’s what Facebook is for.

Me, I am going to listen to the scientists.  They know more than I do on the subject.  If they suggest something, I am going to listen to their knowledge with a turned-up ear, logically formulate my own thoughts, and go from there.

2020 is still in its infancy.  There is still time to do greatness, so let’s start living!  I guess what I am trying to say is, it’s all about perspective.  See, I told you, I am a forever optimist…