Re-entry into whatever ‘normal’ is continues to be a rocky road! I look up and all of a sudden another week has passed in a blink.
I just, I don't know, I don't remember life being so utterly exhausting 18 months ago. Like, basic everyday things like laundry and dishes and food shopping have become impossible hurdles. I feel this post deep in my soul. And I'm not even a MOM, which, if you are - thank you for taking care of the next generation, you're doing absolutely incredible. I see you.
As friends, family and work teams get fully vaccinated, there seems to be this underlying expectation on the part of most of corporate America that everyone gets ‘back to normal’ as quickly as possible which I find ridiculous. It just feels so shortsighted.
The thing is, I know now that I no longer want what ‘normal’ use to be. I'm not willing to give up the small moments of joy, and rest, and thoughtful work that we've been able to gain because of this experience. The awareness of other experiences. The willingness to make change. I can't go back from this.
Because the back we're being encouraged to get to wasn't that great for those of us that aren't white men. I'm much more interested in getting to some where truly new. I've never been a fan of planning with a rear-view mirror, even more so after what we've all been through. But where do we really go from here?
What are you taking from these experiences of the past year? I've got no answers, but I'm taking solace in the fact that at least I'm taking a beat to ask the questions now - 2 years ago, that wouldn't have happened. I've changed.
