Post-COVID World: Doing Old Things in a New Way

Finally, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Wouldn’t you agree that the last 2-3 months have been challenging, to put it mildly? The Coronavirus did really put things in perspective for us. Pretty much overnight we were deprived from so many things we took for granted and never took time to appreciate. As we stayed home, not being able to go out and enjoy your favorite activities, we surely learned some lessons. One of the biggest lessons - do not take anything for granted! Now that the country is starting to slowly open up, let’s see how we can use what we’ve learned to do old things in a new way in this forever changed post-COVID world.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big hugger. I believe that it’s such a great expression of affection towards others. No words can replace a big good old hug. It’s been so awkward running into some dear people on the street or in the grocery store and not being able to hug them. Do you feel this way too? When you are able to hug someone again, tell them how much you missed doing it and how much you appreciate the ability to do so. More importantly, feel that heightened appreciation within you!

Remember the days you could go out to eat anywhere pretty much at any time? Didn’t you miss this? Before, there were probably times when you got frustrated with the waiter because the food was late, or it was cold. Maybe even you had to go through the torture of waiting for a table for 5 minutes. I bet you would happily volunteer to go through those inconveniences during the “stay at home” order if it was safe. Now that you're able to eat out again, carry the appreciation of that fact with you. Compliment the host, the waiters, the chef and the manager. Tell them how much you missed the restaurant. Tell them what specifically you misse. Maybe leave a “Thank You” card. After suffering a loss of business for so long, the restaurants need all the moral and financial help to rebound.

How about social events? Whether you were hosting one at your house or attending someone else’s, parties brought so much fun and color into our lives. Hardcore party person or not, you have surely missed quality social gatherings. Next time you attend one, make sure you give extra thanks to the host and tell them how much you sincerely appreciate being in a company of so many great people. If the party is at your home, tell the guests how much even the walls of your home have missed hosting them, hearing their loud voices and laughter.

There is something special about watching a good movie on a big screen with a bucket of popcorn in your hands, with its unmistakable, appetizing and fresh smell. You know what I’m talking about! What was the last time you were able to attend a movie theater? Let your next visit be memorable for you and the employees that work there. From the ticket counter to the food counter make sure you compliment each employee you come in contact with, tell them how much you missed this experience and how happy you are to be back. Believe me, you will make their day.

How does your hair look after being home for 3 months? If you are one of the lucky few, then it looks great! Otherwise, a good haircut is in order. For all the ladies out there, you might feel overdue for nail, skin and other personal care services. Even a good massage! Next time you hit the spa or the hair salon take a small gift, a personal card or do anything else that would underline your appreciation of the ability to get these essential services. Just so you know, the barbers, hairdressers and nail technicians have missed you as much as you have missed them. Trust me, I have a reliable source!

Long lines at the check-in, TSA, boarding the plane or waiting for your luggage at the carousel...Remember those days of travel? And yet, if you were offered a trip on the condition that you would have to go through extra long lines, you would probably run to the airport. Now that the restrictions are easing and you are able to travel again, pack some extra patience, tolerance, forgiveness and appreciation in your suitcase. Give a hearty thanks to all airport, airline and hotel workers you come in contact with. You know deep inside how happy you are to be able to see them again!

Whether you are very religious or an occasional visitor of places of worship, no doubt the inability to congregate has taken a toll on you. Understandably so! There is something profoundly spiritual about group prayers. No wonder you feel spiritually cleansed and uplifted after a good service. Next time you walk through the doors of a church, synagogue, mosque or a temple you will feel a renewed, elevated and deep connection with God, an appreciation of his infinite power. Of course, you will! If anything, the last three months have taught ALL of us throughout the globe how powerless we can be as humans against God’s will. We built plans, created projections, scheduled events, and enjoyed the seeming certainty of everything. Then the Coronavirus came along, and with a stroke of a brush it canceled all our plans and projections, leading us to a lifestyle we would think unimaginable just 6 months ago. In my humble opinion, the greatest lesson of all to be learned is that WE ARE ALL ONE, we are all connected to God and through God to each other. Let’s use this profound lesson to build a bright future for humanity!

Indian spiritual teacher Eknath Easwaran once said, “Lasting change happens when people see for themselves that a different way of life is more fulfilling than their present one.” A few months from now these days will become faded memories. The feelings we have now will be forgotten, or at least diminished. But the new ways to do the old things don’t have to. Let us together create a lasting change and a more fulfilling life by injecting more appreciation, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and love into our present lives. It all starts with you.