The first time I heard those words definitively spoken was a few weeks into the pandemic. The individual said that life as we know it has changed and was never returning to how things used to be. I was both resentful of that statement and defiant. Inside my head, questions arose – “Who said things would never be the same?” and “How does he know for sure what the future holds?” Yet as days became weeks, and weeks morphed into months, it seems that the proclamation was somewhat prophetic, and the tomorrows will indeed look different from yesteryear.
So, what now? What does the new normal look like? Social distancing from everyone I do not reside with, even if they are my family? Acute hypersensitivity to coughs, sneezes, and runny noses? When someone needs assistance, do I hesitate in consideration that they might be an asymptomatic booby trap, waiting to ambush my unsuspecting immune system? Is paranoia now the new normal?
I am sorry that I have more questions than answers. Yet, I am hopeful. The human spirit is indomitable. I think of the horrors of history that have impacted humankind in one way or the other, and we are still here. One way or another, we find ways to overcome the challenges we face individually or collectively. Hopefully, history will repeat itself, and we will emerge from this intact, and it will be a story we will share with our children’s children, and our children will share with their children’s children.
I do not want to wear a face mask.I do not want to stay at least six feet away from my friends and associates.I would like to give a dap, pound, handshake, or hug without going through a series of decontamination processes, or self-isolating for 14 days.The question still haunts me, “What is the alternative?”To be honest, I do not know; but if you have ideas on how to remain connected, feel free to leave your thoughts so that they can be shared.Let us work on building this new normal together.
If you feel that you are struggling with any kind of emotional or behavioral health problems and are in need of therapy services please do not hesitate to contact the PSC and schedule an appointment. Stay tuned for a new post next week!
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