We have been missing opportunities through this pandemic because we keep wanting to be "normal". We keep saying we want things to go back to normal. Not going to happen. This is normal. We have a disgustingly transmissible virus which keeps spreading because we keep aiming for the wrong goals. It was claimed that introverts coped with lockdowns and isolation and managed to live a positive life free of anxiety for a while. Some deal better than others with social isolation. Others need a lot of human contact to vindicate themselves. There were claims some students did far better with online learning and some people were happier working from home. There are claims and then there are facts. There are claims and then there is media manipulation. Facing the truth can be hard in muddied waters where vested interest can come up with news and views to persuade people to hold a certain mindset.
It means we keep aiming for what was the status quo and what suits profiteers rather than genuinely looking at changes which would help everyone to adapt to challenging times. This virus can't be told. We have to live with the fact it moves when we move. It infects and it debilitates. Aren't we the options people?
Some businesses and organisations adapted to online delivery of their services really well. Telehealth didn't suit everyone but it suited a lot of people and was helpful to those who weren't so mobile or not wishing to be mobile. Online learning didn't suit all but it suited a lot of students, teachers and families. Zoom concerts, conferences and events were popular and just as moving and thought provoking as much as they would have been in real life.
We have technology. We are connected. We can develop and collaborate online. Why is this not more prevalent? Not all things can be done online but a lot can be. So manyof people didn't know how to online shop. It helps. It can cost extra but it can really take the pressure off. It is an option.
One of my great finds in isolation was ebay. I hadn't really considered it . I had to isolate because I hadn't had my booster and opening the borders in November meant I had to keep a low profile until February to keep myself safe. With ebay I could still shop, I could support local and last year I supported the places which were in lockdown. That was my way of helping. I also have online social groups of various natures so that I can stay connected with people if I can't see too many people.
What else did we do which has been ignored and abandoned which would help us now with rising case numbers? We missed that chance to build some solid platforms and alternate ways of connecting . Things which would be options now. We need to be hybrid in our approach. There are people at risk. There are people isolating and in quarantine who can still connect strongly and positively if we give them opportunities.
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