So far, I get to say that I have survived the pandemic and protests that we have faced this year. I am hoping that these events will teach us something about ourselves individually and as a country. I have learned a few things about myself along the way. Mostly, that I really like the social distancing that was mandated. As I’m an introvert by nature the whole of the pandemonium has been observed at a distance by choice. I do however see the stress and concern in people’s demeanor as they try to be social in a stay-at-home scenario. It must be difficult to be an outgoing person at this time.

As time goes by and rules become more lenient people seem a bit happier. Perhaps it is the hope that we are on our way back to normal. Even for myself normal is still at a distance. It’s hard to sit and write when there is so much invading my thoughts and time. Yet I am at a place that I can safely watch the world as it passes by in its parade of uncertainty. Try as we might, I do not think that our normal will return to what it once was. For some, it will reinforce our distrusts and fears. For others, it may create a stronger need to become closer together. Either way, there will be change.

I wonder where we will be, as a society, in a year from now. I wonder what it is doing to our vision and insights. Will our weaknesses build our strengths? Maybe it will defeat us for a bit, yet I think that we will come out the other end wiser and stronger. As our social definitions are changing so is our definition of self. Our outcome will only be mirrored by what we wish to see. How will our response to these circumstances be viewed by the future? Surely, we in the present, do not seem like we have learned anything from our past. At least I get to say that I have survived it, so far.