I’m Not Prepared to Embrace Normalcy Again

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April 20, 2021

Reflecting on those initial days of March 2020, I recall the widespread belief that a few weeks of lockdown would suffice to return us to “normal.” Weeks stretched into months, and by summer, a clear divide emerged between those who adhered to social distancing and those who acted as if the pandemic was a mere inconvenience. The notion of “normal” began to feel like an unattainable dream.

We find ourselves in a challenging phase of a global health crisis. Vaccination efforts are underway, but rates vary significantly across regions and nations. Frustration mounts as people grow weary of isolation and seek out gatherings, sometimes disregarding public health guidelines (as seen with the Texas Rangers opening game). While some continue to wear masks, an increasing number are choosing to forgo them as they socialize. Families are reuniting, friends are meeting again, and sports are returning to pre-pandemic norms.

Though the pandemic isn’t over, hope is on the horizon. Still, we can’t be sure how far away that hope truly is. I urge everyone to pause and reflect before diving back into a semblance of normalcy, as I worry we may be rushing into it.

More importantly, we should consider whether we genuinely want to revert to our pre-March 2020 lives. I miss dining out with my spouse and enjoying a packed movie theater with popcorn in hand. I long for the thrill of live performances and attending church without the worry of masks and health precautions.

However, not all aspects of living through COVID-19 have been negative. Instead of learning from the past year, we seem eager to revert to unhealthy habits. We are so keen to forget the previous year that we overlook the merits of stillness and reflection.

Just ask educators about the knowledge that has slipped away. In the spring of 2020, parents recognized the hard work of teachers and called for fair pay, realizing the challenges of online education. Yet, as the 2020-2021 school year approached, criticism of teachers resurfaced, as many demanded schools reopen without adequate funding for safety measures. The concerns were valid; parents needed to work, students required safe learning environments, and teachers feared for their health and safety.

Normalcy has come at a cost, prompting me to question: do we truly want to return to that lifestyle?

I don’t wish to revert to a world where essential workers—grocery clerks, healthcare providers, delivery personnel—are overlooked and undervalued. I don’t want to live in a society that normalizes going to work while sick. I hope we can foster an environment where parents don’t feel compelled to send ill children to school and where schools promote health over perfect attendance.

I envision a future where personal health is prioritized, with masks and hygiene habits becoming standard during cold and flu seasons. The past year has shown us the importance of public health, and we should continue the practices that have kept many of us healthier than before.

I reject the notion of constantly being busy and instead want to embrace the moments that matter. As my family navigates our son’s sports schedule, I realize the importance of balance and the value of unstructured time. We should cherish the lessons learned during this period of reflection.

I also refuse to forget the social justice movements ignited by events like the murder of George Floyd. I want to remain aware of the injustices that affect our communities and recognize that we are all interconnected.

A forest that undergoes a fire may look different afterward, but it often emerges renewed. Though COVID-19 has affected us all in various ways, we must resist the urge to return to “normal” without considering the potential for improvement.

Let’s take a moment to envision a brighter future, one that surpasses our past.

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Summary:

In light of the ongoing pandemic, the author reflects on the desire to return to pre-pandemic normalcy while questioning whether we truly want to go back to the habits and systems that existed before March 2020. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing the lessons learned during this challenging time and envisioning a future that prioritizes health, respect for essential workers, and social justice.