THREE YEARS!

 Three years ago this week, the world started to shut down.  I am still in complete awe thinking about the entire world being affected so immensely by the same thing.  There are so many places I will never visit and have not even heard of which were affected.  Throughout history, many people in different parts of the world are affected by similar or the same things while others are not affected at all.  This was a time when we were all affected by the same thing.  It sill baffles my mind.  I've thought a lot about the pandemic over the last few months as I reflect on things that changed as a result, both positive and negative. 

I have thought more lately about the positive changes that came from that time, and I sometimes wonder why it took a pandemic for us to think of these things.  These are a few things that have been a positive in my opinion: 

1.  Required appointments at the DMV.

2. All the curbside pick ups and deliveries at all the stores, including liquor, which I don't utilize but still a good idea.  Get your margaritas and drink at home instead of driving after.

3.  Webex/Zoom/etc. meetings.  While I believe some meetings are necessary in person, I think having the ability to meet over Webex/Zoom/etc. have made things much more convenient for so many.

4.  Worshipping online.  This wasn't necessarily an idea born out of the pandemic, but I feel like it encouraged and introduced many people to worship online.  For me, who would have never done this prior, I have found many different worship experiences that I can listen to, watch, participate in online.  My church experience had become quite stagnant and unfulfilling which I know is partly my frame of mind.  During the pandemic, I not only visited different churches that were open in person, but I also began to listen to many.  It has definitely refreshed my worship experience. 

5. Exercising at home.  This has always been hard for me as I am not the most motivated when it comes to exercise.  Getting started is the hardest part for me.  Once I get started, I start to feel better which in turn provides motivation.  Another thing that has motivated me in the exercise department is money.  If I'm paying for something, I tend to stick with it.  However when everything was closed, I had to get creative.  My exercise at home ebbs and flows, but I have found many great free programs on YouTube and other places to use.

6.  Online tutorials and lessons.  This has been exceptionally grand for my daughter who has a private tutor.  Instead of using 45 minutes to an hour just for drive time, in addition to the hour tutorial, she now has her tutorial sessions in her bedroom and can refer back to the whiteboard notes her tutor uses for several weeks.  This was the same for music lessons, although not ideal for her, they were able to continue.

7. Another thing that has been huge for me is online therapy sessions.  I meet with a psychiatrist once a month for about 5 minutes, so she can check in on the sleep medication she prescribed.  I don't have to drive somewhere for a 5 minute check in.  I have also found a therapist, who I love, but she lives in the Panhandle.  If it weren't for the pandemic, I would have never met her.  She is the best and has been just what I needed.

For the most part, I do think interacting with people in person is always the best; but there are times when that can't happen or when it makes more sense (out of convenience) to meet online.