Hello, Wonderful People

I pray that you are doing well. Spring is around the corner, and daffodils are starting to bloom.

It is hard to imagine that at this time last year, the world began shutting down, and everything came to a sudden halt. COVID-19 hit like a bombshell and quickly changed life as we knew it. Schools shut down, public events were canceled, and people were told not to leave their homes. A temporary solution to a potentially serious situation would be necessary to keep us safe so that we could return to a normal life.

One year ago today (March 18th), my wife and I started working from home with the anticipation of returning to the office by April 6th. That two-and-a-half-week period has turned into a full year. We are still working at home for most of our time while returning full time in the office has not yet been discussed.

No one could have imagined that a year later, we are still talking about it. We are still under the grips of COVID-19 and still looking to return to normal. What is normal? Thankfully, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. People are now being vaccinated, new cases are going down, and businesses are being reopened.

Without question, COVID has affected everyone, either directly or indirectly. Many people lost their jobs, their livelihoods, and even their lives. We remember and honor these people. While people may disagree about prevention and treatment methods, we all must agree that when life gets back to normal, it will not be the same normal as before. For the first time, people have focused on cleanliness at home and in public. Working from home has become the norm, and with a greater expectation of continuing. Loneliness and depression have escalated. People will love and appreciate their friends and family more after being isolated from them for such a long period of time.

For me personally, I see an increased change in ways that I didn’t think was possible. I started looking inside myself and my life. Working from home had proven to be a viable option for me when I never thought it could be possible. I have attended several online training sessions for personal and professional growth that was never available in the virtual format before COVID-19. I could spend more time with my wife, Seppe, and with our Vinny as he faced the last months of his life.

Our Vinny

How has COVID-19 changed your life? Are you concerned about the new normal, or do you embrace change? How are you planning to alter your daily life to remain safe? Let me know in the comments below.