This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recently, I came across a notable reminder on social media that five years ago, many Americans experienced their last week of “normalcy” as government shutdowns began in mid-March. This prompts a reflective discussion: What was your life like five years ago? How did it transform during the tumultuous year of 2020, and what lasting changes have you noticed since then? It’s fascinating to think about how the pandemic reshaped our daily routines, work environments, and personal priorities.
One of the standout pieces we published during that challenging period was contributed by a thoughtful commenter who generously allowed us to share it as a dedicated post — titled “The Ideal COVID-19 Quarantine Woman.” The opening lines perfectly encapsulate the surreal circumstances many faced:
She lives alone. Unless she has children. Then they live with her. But she doesn’t take them out. They magically entertain themselves so she can go out for essential trips. No more than once every two weeks. For essential groceries. She doesn’t need toilet paper. She stocked up months ago well before there was a run on toilet paper or anyone could accuse her of hoarding. But her supply is safe since she installed a bidet last week. She has a fully stocked basement of anything she or her family may need for six months.
Reading that brings back a rush of memories. Personally, the pandemic didn’t alter my routine drastically, as I had already been working from home for an extended period. However, the challenge of managing children at home without childcare, especially during the transition to virtual schooling, was a significant adjustment. I must emphasize that my family was fortunate during the pandemic, with no severe health impacts from COVID-19. Yet, the long-term effects on children’s lives from those unpredictable years remain uncertain and intriguing to consider.
In many respects, the pandemic has profoundly influenced my perspective. As someone who is passionate about workwear, I’ve noticed significant shifts in professional attire and an evolution in workplace attitudes. There’s a growing sentiment that trust among individuals has diminished, particularly regarding collective health measures, such as the importance of vaccinations. This change has affected how people perceive and approach their careers and interactions.
Now that my children have returned to school, our lives have resumed a semblance of normalcy, although it varies for different families. Some relatives continue to exercise caution regarding COVID-19, opting to wear masks in public and steering clear of indoor dining experiences. I still advocate for my immediate family to wear masks during flights, particularly until the cabin’s air filtration system is operational at cruising altitude, although this notion has become less favorable among the kids. Our approach to indoor dining has also been cautious, especially following the holiday season, yet we recently celebrated my birthday in January at a local restaurant, embracing a bit of normalcy.
Stock photo via Stencil.
