Many of us have been sheltering-in-place for more than seven weeks now, venturing out only when necessary and physical distancing when we do. With “We’re all in this together” as our motto, we understand that communities will need to develop new protective strategies to help control the spread of the virus in the future — and rightfully so.
But as unemployment skyrockets, recession threatens, and “quarantine fatigue” sets in, much of the discussion here in the United States has focused on when and how we will “open up the economy.” Certainly, people are scared about the virus, but they’re also concerned about the health of our country. And yet, I imagine that the complexities of re-emergence go much deeper than what we see and hear in the headlines.
The way things were. If it takes only 30 days for something to become a habit, what happens after 60 days? Do we become far more entrenched in our new ways? And will we even want to go back to the “way things were?” I think not. I sent notes far and wide to women I value and asked two simple questions: “What worries you the most as we emerge following this extended quarantine?” and “What are you looking forward to the most?”Although these women hail from varied backgrounds, certain human themes arose consistently across their honest responses — along with a guilty confession or two. Edited for length, here is what they had to say:
What worries you the most as we look to re-emerge in the wake of COVID-19?
“I love and am energized by hugs, handshakes, high fives, holding the door for someone. I worry about the impact of social distancing on human connection. I also worry that the economic fallout from Covid-19 will take years to rebound from for those I know and care for.” Jennifer
“What worries me most is a lack of belief in the efficacy of the solution, whatever it may be. Should I attend that concert? Do I want to travel? Will we get put on lockdown again? I don’t know what that looks like, and that makes me anxious.” Allison
“I’m most worried about continued health and safety of my family members, especially as the world begins to open back up. We still have no idea what our new normal will look like, how long it will last, and whether we have enough resiliency and resources to withstand possible setbacks.” Sheri
“I fear it might take years before we can travel from country to country.” Rosie
“I’m worried that we’re going to see deep, far-reaching ripples of distrust and divide.” Anne
“I’m worried most about safety and the possibility of the new wave of the epidemic. It would be really hard to have to go back to social distancing! I’m also worried about economic recovery and the wellbeing of my family and my organization.” Olga
And what are you looking forward to the most?
“Spending time with my friends in person. Traveling, staying in a nice hotel, exploring a new city. A day at the salon! After all this, I need a makeover from head to toe. (That seems kinda selfish … but it’s true.)” Jennifer
“I’m looking forward to being with friends again; going to restaurants, bars, events, shows. Workwise, I’m looking forward to being less screen-based!” Allison
“I am most looking forward to reuniting with friends and family and having a greater appreciation for the ‘little things in life.’” Sheri
“What I look forward to most is more acceptance for new ways of working models — working in the flow of life.” Rosie
“I am definitely looking forward to taking that family Caribbean vacation that I had to cancel!” Olga
“I’m looking forward to being more intentional about keeping up relationships and genuinely wanting to see people.” Anne
It’s no surprise that we’re all craving in-person human connections and have mixed feelings about the future right now. Just ask my colleague Brent Colescott who recent wrote a piece on the need to stay connected with each other — live and in-person. But I have to wonder… Despite the terrible human losses and myriad personal and economic worries, can we perhaps also find ways to cultivate a more meaningful way of life as we re-emerge? One of my friends had this to say:
“I do think some good will come of the pandemic. My family has had an opportunity to stop our crazy lives for a bit and really get back to simpler times. I’m also optimistic that there will be changes in the workplace. Employers that once thought there was no way people can successfully work at home have seen that they can. Perhaps some of that flexibility will stick and the result will be fewer cars on the roads, less pollution, fewer accidents, and people having more time with their families. And lastly, I hope this sparks a lasting feeling of gratitude: being thankful for what we have and not always looking for more and better, being less wasteful, and appreciating the time we have with the people we love.” Kimberly
And these sentiments aren’t reserved for just adults. My 16-year-old daughter Petra, who has been distance learning and away from her friends for the better part of seven weeks, had this to say:
“I am most looking forward to spending time with my friends and the family I haven’t been able to see. I can’t wait to spend countless days at the beach and go on long road trips to wherever. I want to go out and see everything as though it’s my first time doing so, which is what it’s going to feel like. I want to remember what it’s like to be in a lively environment full of people and smiling faces. I want to hug my friends and order food without carrying hand sanitizer in my pocket. I won’t take the little things for granted anymore because this [pandemic] has shown me that things can change unexpectedly so we have to appreciate what we have and live in the moment.” Petra
As we look towards the future together — whenever that is and whatever that looks like — stay safe, stay well. And stay hopeful.