How surreal is it that we’ve been navigating a pandemic for over a year and a half? Many of us are feeling drained and frustrated as time seems to both fly and crawl simultaneously. Let’s take a moment to remember when we first heard about “the novel coronavirus.” The atmosphere was undeniably different then. Initially, there was a collective hope that this would soon be behind us, and while we learned to adapt, we also tried to make the best of a challenging situation—yes, that included using lemons to mix with vodka as time went on.
The spring of 2020 was a whirlwind of uncertainty, upending our daily lives. Looking back, there was an odd comfort in the shared experience of facing such an unprecedented crisis. That sense of togetherness quickly faded, leading us to what we now call pandemic nostalgia.
Everyone had their unique journey during this time. Were you a parent thrust into the role of a teacher? A professional adjusting to remote work overnight? Perhaps you were a high school senior missing out on key milestones like prom and graduation? Or, tragically, you lost a loved one far too soon. We all experienced loss in some form, and this past year and a half is time we cannot reclaim. So, is there value in reflecting on what has transpired?
What Is Pandemic Nostalgia?
Merriam-Webster defines nostalgia as a mix of pleasure and sadness when reminiscing about the past. But what about pandemic nostalgia? Was there truly any joy in it? And aren’t we still living through it? To be honest, once we emerge from this, I would prefer it never to happen again—not in my lifetime or my children’s. Science tells us this won’t be the last pandemic we face, so what exactly are we feeling nostalgic about?
According to Dr. Alex Rivers, a psychology expert specializing in nostalgia and memory, “Looking back on what emerged during the pandemic helps individuals make sense of, and grow from, their experiences.” This perspective makes sense. In the early days, the phrase “We’re all in this together” was everywhere—on commercials, in emails, and across social media.
For many, the onset of the pandemic provided a rare opportunity to slow down. With nowhere to go and fewer distractions, people found time to explore new hobbies, launch side projects, or focus on personal growth. Connections with loved ones deepened, often becoming more heartfelt. Life felt less complicated—unless, of course, you were someone burdened with additional responsibilities.
It’s easy to yearn for the early days of the pandemic when we were baking bread and applauding healthcare workers instead of facing hostility. We crafted paper hearts for our windows to reassure children that humanity ultimately prevails. But the harsh reality is that many of the people we thought we knew revealed themselves to be quite different than expected.
Caught Between Then and Now
As for the rest of us, the notion of collective unity quickly unraveled. While we wanted to believe we were all in this together, humanity’s actions proved otherwise. Our lives turned upside down from the very start, with vigilance becoming the norm to protect our loved ones. The shift from gathering masks and sanitizers for neighbors to questioning their choices became painfully noticeable.
Since the pandemic began, we witnessed significant social justice movements and a political landscape that shifted dramatically. On one hand, we voted for more rational leadership; on the other, we faced threats of authoritarianism and domestic extremism. Today, life often feels surreal and more like fiction than reality. So, what lies ahead?
A year and a half is a considerable stretch of time, and we’re still in this chapter. Each day is a testament to our resilience, even as we grapple with the confusion of being nostalgic for something that isn’t fully over. While some are willing to risk returning to the old ways, many of us remain cautious, awaiting clarity on this new normal.
Though the pandemic has left its mark, we can carry forward lessons of kindness, compassion, and the understanding that we are all part of a shared human experience navigating through this chaos. That is what I yearn for.
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Summary:
As we reflect on the early days of the pandemic, many experience what is termed “pandemic nostalgia.” This feeling encapsulates both the longing for simpler times and the acknowledgment of the hardships faced. While the notion of unity quickly faded, the lessons of kindness and compassion remain vital as we continue to navigate this ongoing crisis.