I often think about how life has changed forever since COVID-19…

I wake up squeezed and entangled between my Ultimate Concierge and our pooch, America. They are breathing in unison and ever so softly; each one in deep sleep. I struggle to untangle myself as quietly as possible so I don’t disturb them and… it worked! Why am I up? The moaning sounds of ambulances racing to Northwestern Hospital, just a few blocks from my apartment in the sky. I think to myself, “I hope whoever is in there will be just fine.”

The coronavirus outbreak was the catalyst for these changes, reshaping daily routines and the way we experience our surroundings.

I walk into the kitchen, open the cabinet door that houses our coffee mugs from all over the world, and decide to sort them. There is Monet’s Garden, Manet’s flowers, LBJ’s museum, The Met, Monmarte, Chicago, The Black Dog, Dubai, etc… I find a cup sent to me by a friend that reads, “Find Joy in Each Day” and I reach for it. With a fresh cup of coffee in my hand, I walk into my office and begin to write my story, and stop to take a photo of my mug. I look at the photo and smile, remembering why each speaks to me and remains a loved possession. For the moment I have left Elsewhere and traveled back in time. I am certain you have your own meaningful treasures that speak to you and touch that cord called joy.

During the months of isolation in Elsewhere, especially in the early days of the pandemic, it is soothing to have memories of love and friendship surround you. What you love represents who you are and lights up what is meaningful to you.

Find Joy in Daily Life

Here are several things I find joy in that I keep around me, always…

A Chanel flower I took off a gift box and put on my computer; because I am an ardent admirer of beauty. A Christofle tray given to me by my French girlfriend, Florence; a silver heart (years old) that says, “You are as sweet as Honey” from my firstborn grandson, Robbie; a tiny turquoise stone I removed from a thank you note envelope and saved from my granddaughter Skylar, whose eyes are the same color; a glass box given to me by my favorite Aunt Essie; a rock from Israel brought home to me from the same grandson; a seashell from Nantucket given to me fifteen years ago by a woman who picked seashells each morning by the shore; two gifts from my daughter, Jenny; a plaque that reads Queen and a weather gage; my favorite photo of my Ultimate concierge, and lastly…

These treasures are daily reminders of the support and love from families and friends, especially during challenging times. The large magic wand that was given to me by a close Hawaiian friend that I wave over each person when they come into our office, to guard and protect them. And, behind me on shelves are all loving tokens of friendship and love given to me by those who I hold close to my heart. Seeing all my treasure each day lifts my spirit during this time in all of our lives.

Back to the Real World

As I ponder the enormity of the changes we are living through in Elsewhere, it has not escaped me that each life of an American will never return to what it was. My innocence has turned into reality and I am bereaved at the loss of what was. Our normal American lifestyle will not return when the Virus leaves. Many Americans have experienced profound shifts in their daily lives and perspectives, as the pandemic has affected communities across the country in unique and challenging ways. Why?

Many citizens of our great country don’t realize that the Liberalism we knew is not the Liberalism of today. Today’s liberalism is the Democratic Socialists of America. We will all learn about it no matter which party wins because it is not going to go away. Stay tuned, and do remember that the ideas this marvelous country of ours is based on is exceptional and worthy of our protection.

The Lockdown

Think about the lockdown. Not only are we locked down but events are locked down, businesses are locked down, schools are locked down, life as we knew it is on lockdown. The pandemic’s impact has affected many sectors, causing significant disruptions to the economy and economies worldwide, with many people losing their jobs and workers, especially those on the front lines, facing increased risk. The closure of schools has created new challenges for parents, who have had to balance work and childcare responsibilities. The inability to attend services in person has changed religious practices for most people, while the stay home directive became a crucial aspect of public health measures. The covid crisis has highlighted the multifaceted aspects of societal change, and adapting to these new realities remains an ongoing challenge for different groups and societies. The decline in public transport usage has also impacted urban mobility and emissions, changing the way cities function. The pandemic began a period where different groups experienced the crisis in different ways, revealing disparities and vulnerabilities across society. As these events happened, most people have been affected in some way, and what happened has made us reflect on the different worlds we inhabit. Compared to pre pandemic life, the changes are profound.

The changes in Elsewhere took no time; seven months. We went from an interactive society with people, places, and things to a society of interacting with everything on our computers! Sure, technology was part of our lives but no longer. Technology is now the center of our lives. Remote work, the ability to work remotely, and the rise of hybrid working have transformed work culture, making flexible arrangements the norm for many. This shift has also introduced new ideas about work-life balance and the design of our living spaces. Mark my words, when the COVID-19 siege ends, we will enter a new age and it will not be like the normal age we left. The experience has shown how quickly things can happen and how societies and group efforts are essential in responding to such crises. The pandemic’s aspects have forced us to consider how to prepare for the next pandemic and to address the long-term effects, such as long covid. The idea of resilience and adaptability has become central, and the events that have happened since the pandemic began have changed our perspectives on what is possible.

And, masks! Will they go away, ever? Last night, my Ultimate Concierge and I were sitting on a bench in our lobby waiting for my mom. Six masked ‘bandits’, three couples, who live in our building had to walk past us and I was in shock but overjoyed that they recognized us and said hello. I turned to my husband and said, “Do you know who they were?” He said, “No, do you?” “No,” I answered back. When I do recognize someone I am emotionally charged!

Personal Loss and Grief

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every corner of our lives, leaving a lasting impact that is both deeply personal and universally shared. For millions of people around the world, the loss of loved ones has been a heartbreaking reality—more than half of Americans know someone who was hospitalized or lost their life to the virus. This collective grief has forced people to pause, reflect, and re-evaluate what truly matters, often in the quiet moments when we miss the simple joys of daily life.

As the pandemic unfolded, many of us found ourselves seeking comfort and connection in new ways. With traditional gatherings and religious services on hold, communities turned to technology—attending services online, joining support groups, and reaching out to friends and family through Zoom calls. These virtual connections became lifelines, helping us spend time together even when we were apart, and reminding us that we are not alone in our grief.

The strain on our mental health and well-being has been undeniable. Hospitals and healthcare systems, already stretched thin, had to implement strict disease control measures—social distancing, personal protective equipment, and limited access to care—to protect both patients and staff. The emotional toll of these changes has been felt by all, but especially by young adults, who faced disruptions to their education, work, and social lives. For many, working remotely became the new normal, bringing its own set of challenges: balancing work and family responsibilities, coping with isolation, and finding the right balance between professional and personal life.

Older adults, too, have faced unique risks and challenges. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for equitable access to healthcare, support services, and community resources, especially for those most vulnerable. Social isolation became a serious concern, reminding us of the importance of staying connected and supporting one another, even from a distance.

Daily routines have changed in ways we never imagined. Wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and avoiding nonessential businesses have become second nature. The way we interact with the world—and with each other—has shifted, and many of us have developed a new appreciation for the small moments we once took for granted.

As we move forward, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are shaping our path. We are reminded of the importance of public health, the need to invest in strong healthcare systems, and the value of community support. The challenges we have faced have also underscored the importance of preparing for future risks, whether it’s another pandemic or the ongoing threat of climate change.

Through it all, the pandemic has revealed the resilience, kindness, and compassion that exist within our communities. In the face of profound changes and unimaginable loss, people have come together to support one another, to heal, and to rebuild. As we look to the future, let us carry these lessons with us—prioritizing mental health and well-being, fostering strong connections, and working towards a more equitable and compassionate society.

The journey to a new sense of normal will not be easy, but by supporting each other and holding onto the values that have carried us through the darkest days, we can create a brighter, more resilient world for ourselves and for generations to come.

Defenses Are Up

I notice people are getting upset over issues at home, online, on the phone, or in text messages over things that normally don’t upset them. I think it is because we are isolated, hate seeing riots, fires set purposely, screaming at press conferences, guns, and even murder. This is all unnerving and puts fear into normal people. Many of these reactions are driven by concerns about what is happening in the world, including fears about safety, health, and uncertainty about the future.

And then there are the ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars prowling my neighborhood that I know the sounds of now. How sad to see this happening so frequently, a constant reminder of the ongoing challenges we face.

I have always said to myself in a nonchalant manner that this to shall pass. Pass it will, but how and where will it land? One thing is certain; Life will not be the same.

In order to stay upbeat, I tell myself that change can be for the better, and maybe even… good?

Let me know your thoughts about how life has changed since COVID-19 in the comments at the bottom of this page. I want to hear from you!

 

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