The Silver Lining

When faced with a life and death situation, survival instincts kick in and we are forced to reevaluate our priorities.

In some ways, the isolate-at-home orders have created a world that is less isolating than before the crisis. On the rare occasions when I do encounter people walking outside or in the supermarket, they are more open, smiling and saying hello, rather than ignoring each other and being consumed with their devices.

Because this is a global pandemic which crosses socio-economic, racial and cultural boundaries, it is the great equalizer. Celebrities, athletes, actors and politicians are all in the same boat as everyone else. Those who were ignored by most people rushing through their daily lives and seen as accessories that enabled them to complete mundane tasks, are now the heroes who bravely go to work every day, with a higher risk of contracting the disease.

"In a society that rewards professional athletes, models and actors, we now rely most heavily on health care workers, supermarket cashiers and package deliverers."

Essential workers. That term means something different now. I often spoke with the woman who managed the self-check line at Stop and Shop before the pandemic. And now I appreciate her even more. But how often were these workers ignored?

Our devices have been used to connect or disconnect with people. Before the pandemic they did both, but many times they were intrusive and disruptive to normal communication. How many times have we seen whole groups of people out to dinner, sitting close together (ah, memories!) while on their phones ignoring each other? Now our devices are the primary means of communication with those who aren’t living with us. Phone calls and Zoom meetings have replaced dinners and social gatherings.

Social media has become our social life, and Facebook groups are keeping us connected and sane.

Nature walks have taken on a whole new importance in my life. When it’s raining out, I feel trapped and frustrated, but as soon as the sun is shining and I can take a walk, I can almost pretend that this isn’t happening right now. While walking on the Charles River path lately, I’ve seen people doing all sorts of things I’ve never seen before. One man was playing the cello in the park, another put a hammock up on the bank of the river, and a third was walking on a tight rope (low to the ground)! Tired of being trapped at home, people are carving out a section of outdoor living space for themselves. Signs of spring are in the air and nature is blooming all around us, which seem at odds with the death and misery happening all over the world. So strange.

When faced with a life and death situation, survival instincts kick in and we are forced to reevaluate our priorities. Pared down to the bare essentials, the Marie Kondo theory is transferred to life rather than objects. What is most important? Food, shelter, relationships with family and friends. Toilet paper! Our world has changed in such a short time. It’s now commonplace to see people wearing masks in stores and rubber gloves while delivering food and packages or giving each other awkward air hugs or ‘elbumps’.

There are different challenges for those isolating while living alone, versus those living with family or others. In each situation we must adjust to our changed environment. What will the other side look like after this is over? I can’t even imagine it right now, but somehow, we will adapt.