Post-pandemic self

Are you changing your ways once this medical war is over? How do you plan to emerge as a victor (granting we even survive)?

Almost two months into quarantine and I can say that I’m part of the small population lucky enough to have continuous income by working from home. This lets us to put meals on our own table and help others provide for themselves. I checked my privilege so many times and any more of that will make me resent and feel guilty for what I have. I don’t want to go down that path so I help out quietly where I can. But a question I read tonight has got me thinking: will I change my lifestyle after COVID-19 is defeated? What kind of people will we become?

My kumare JK Rowling already condemned life coaches who pressure people to be productive during this global lockdown. We cope differently and fight our own versions of demons. There’s no right or wrong way to spend isolation — we just basically need to come out of it alive and well.

I initially gave myself much to do for the quarantine period. I told myself that I will finish online courses, read books, try out vlogging, and so on. Day XX and I have not done any of that. Instead, I spent hours laughing my ass off with Big Bang Theory, Friends, Nailed It, and IT Crowd on Netflix. God knows how many times I’ve rewatched these shows through the years. I also have YouTube in my arsenal and of course, Facebook. And once I’m tired, I take naps. Did I waste my time? I think not.

God-willing I will come of out this alive with my husband, family and loved ones. Apart from that hope, I want to emerge as someone who:

- eats ramen slowly

- is not bothered about missing the first minutes of a movie

- remains at awe with my husband

- does household chores with more love

- gives bigger tips to waiters, delivery personnel

- builds a reasonable stock pile of goods at home

- pets our dogs more

- takes a leave just to stay at home

- appreciates security guards better

- thinks highly of retail and services staff

- calls my family more often

- is less conscious about my skin and weight

- smiles more

How about you? How do you picture post-pandemic self? You may not have earned an online certificate from Lynda or Coursera, but I am sure you will become a better version of yourself after this. It would mean nothing on your resume but would mean the whole world to your family and society as you become more empathetic and understanding, more accommodating and flexible, more practical and patient.