Knock on wood, but I feel like the end of this 2020 encore is near. The pandemic has brought changes one way or another for all of us. Here I decided to reflect on three things I think I will miss when all of this is over.
Family
You know, there have been plenty of times since that initial lockdown where we have been really frustrated with each other. We are home more than ever before, and it has been harder to get that space at times to allow cooler heads to prevail. That said, I don’t think I have ever been closer to my little brother than I am today. Sure we still fight from time to time, but I never before took the time to appreciate how awesome he really is and the things he has to say. We confide in each other like we never did before and though I may be older, he has made just as much an impression on me as I’m sure I have on him. Sometimes these days, when I’m in a bit of a rut emotionally, I try to remind myself that no matter how much this pandemic sucks, you will never get this window with your family again so there is always something to smile about.
Zoom
Call me crazy but I am older now, and online school is fine by me. I am more ambitious and focused then I was in university as a younger man and I don’t need any of the shenanigans or what have you at this point in time. Being able to attend lectures online has made it easier to go to and from my various obligations as I work towards my career goals. 23 going on 30 perhaps? But I appreciate the value of time more than I ever have. So thanks Zoom, someone appreciates you.
Growth
I don’t think I will ever make the type of leap I made in terms of emotional growth and maturity that I did over the past two years. I went from someone content to do what is expected of most young adults to wanting nothing more than to dedicate my life to help others. This pandemic set me on the path towards the right career for me by forcing me to look inward. Introspection doesn’t scare me like it used to, in fact, I embrace it as a tool to understand why I feel the way I do at times.