It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin
That quote is particularly relevant over the past year. How we deal with change says a lot about our character. I've been known to grouse, complain, and cry over changes. Stiffening my spine and controlling my lip's quiver make me stronger. "Fake 'til you make it." Now that's something I can identify with.
Have you seen the commercial for a drug (an antidepressant, I think) where a woman holds a smiling mask in front of her face, telling everyone she's okay? I've done that, too. I don't want to admit my life is a mess. After a time of faking that I'm okay, I convince myself I am.
When our governor shut down schools last March, I watched in admiration as teachers changed from in-person teaching to virtual. Parents stepped up and worked with their kids using this new medium. Was it easy? No way.
Restaurant managers filled an empty spot in our lives and offered take-out. It sort of replaced our weekly night out dining and kept their staff working. Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Grub Hub exploded in popularity. As did Shipt and Instacart.
We learned to adapt.
I hate to shop, especially for groceries, because I have chronic low back pain. I'd heard of grocery delivery but never tried it. Until covid. Hubs and I hunkered down and stayed away from people. For a while I did curbside pickup. Then came the time when I couldn't leave Hubs alone for fear of him falling. Delivery service was like a miracle.
We talk about the time when we can get back to normal. I don't think we ever will. At least, not the "normal" we knew. We will have a new normal. Mask wearing and social distancing will be around for a while. It's not easy. Change never is. We like our status quo.
Change is always around the corner. How we adapt to change is the key. What changes have you had to make?
10 comments:
I agree with you, Diane. I don't think we will ever go back to the way things were. I'm sure the world won't be in lockdown forever, but I hope we learn from this and take precautions so this doesn't happen again. I mostly work from home, but now, my kids are at home with me. The job I did do outside of the house is quiet now, as no one is there when I work, as the studio is closed to non-employees. I wore a mask before when it was really cold, but now I have one with me every time I leave the house. It's definitely been an adjustment, but necessary. And I think change is inevitable. I look at how much things have changed since I was young, and I'm very thankful for most of it. Wishing you all the best as we try to get through the tail end of this pandemic!
The new normal. Exactly. Being a hermit, I don't mind staying at home. In fact, it's a treat for me after retiring from the 9-to-5. Zoom has been a godsent alternative to meeting with my critique group so I still see their faces and interact. It does, however, make the hours blend together, forcing a more active daily plan to get writing done rather than just another morning of social media scrolling and Netflix (hanging head in shame!).
So many changes over the last year. Some have been good, but others- I hope will go away at some point, but we keep on keeping on.
Jess, our new normal will probably be an extension of the current normal, with some adjustments. You're right about the changes since we were born. Since I'm so much older than you, a lot more changes have happened. We adapt.
Nancy, I'm a homebody, too. Hubs knows the neighbors better than I do since he was always puttering around outside. We celebrated birthdays via Zoom plus my writers and readers groups. So glad we have that option.
Maureen, I agree. Some changes have been good--like Zoom and televisits with doctors--saves a long-distance drive to their offices.
Le sigh...change. It's a word I know well. I recall a boss and friend tell me that if I didn't learn to change with new programs, I'd be a mess. I learned from that moment to change/adapt.
I fell into a steady, daily rhythm last year while adapting to lockdown orders. It was not easy. I battled with depression while tending to a defiant, stubborn, and aging mother. In the beginning, she refused to wear a mask and social distance. And if I had to hear one more story on the Spanish Flu or WWII, I thought I was going to scream. Haha! Yet during those long months, I learned more compassion, self-care, and relied on deep breathing exercises for patience. My writing halted for a brief time, but I chose to look on the positive (a few) highlights to take with me into a new year of hope.
Great post, Diane. :)
Those who do not adapt to change are destined to be miserable. I like your suggestion of deep breathing exercises. I'm going to try that. Unfortunately, many older people are stuck in their ways and refuse to adapt. Change is scary. My heart goes out to you as you deal with the changes and your mother.
Change is scary…but can also bring good things. Great post!@samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Enjoyed your thoughtful reflection on change. "It is the only thing that is certain." I remember my mother offering me that old adage. I don't know the exact circumstance my teen angst was dealing with at the time, but that wisdom has stuck with me. Certainly apropos for our COVID days of change. I am trying to find positivity in the experience. I think many good things will be born as a result of this life-changing experience.
Samantha, you re so right. Thanks for stopping by.
J.Q., our mothers know best. LOL Covid lockdown has made me appreciative of our grandkids and the wonders of technology like Zoom & FaceTime.
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