Surviving Covid 19 with Grit and Good Luck
As we tentatively tiptoe back into our new normal, it is hard not to reflect on the impact the pandemic has had on our respective lives. After all, we’ve been among the lucky ones. We’ve just lived through a devastatingly difficult and historic time. While we cannot forget those who suffered mightily over the past 15 months, could there not be a better time for reflection? What have we learned from the experience which took the whole world by surprise and laid bare so many of our fears and inadequacies? What were specifics strategies we used to survive Covid 19? Can we admit with some level of pride that we were stronger than we thought by showing resilience, courage, and strength?
I asked these questions of several friends. One of them, Christine Lumb, wrote a particularly thoughtful response which I felt merited being presented in its entirety. Christine agreed to be this week’s guest contributor as I slog through proofreading my new book. As you will read, her response summed up beautifully the impact this pandemic had on many of us. She discussed how we learn to reexamine our values, relationships, and lifestyles. Perhaps even more importantly, Christine talks about gratitude and empathy for others less fortunate.
To understand her point of view, you should know that Christine started her career as a nurse and currently teaches French to adults. Additionally, she has two grown children, five grandchildren and has been married for over 40 years to a highly regarded physician specializing in critical care and anesthesiology. Here are her thoughts.
COVID appeared and surprised the world: an uncontrollable wave of devastating infection which puzzled both the medical and scientific world. Forgetting that science constantly changes, the world expected an immediate solution to this problem. When one did not materialize our reaction was to become highly insecure and doubtful of medical reports. Our response was to resort to our own assessment of the problem seasoned with political orientation. Sometimes, I believe that I was more troubled by the political tug of war than the disease itself. Because science for so many was a source of doubt, the world felt abandoned in terms of who and what to trust. Subsequently, it relied on limited knowledge in the field plus its imagination all while failing to understand that science changes. Given we live in a world where everything is obtained and expected immediately, that situation did not fair well. This became my first fascination during the pandemic.
Living in Pasadena, where we are blessed with extraordinarily pleasant weather, where every day you are greeted by a cool morning followed by sunshine and just as pleasant an evening, this pandemic has not stopped me from enjoying gardening in a grand way. During the lockdown I took care of every corner of the garden, thinking of improvement or solution for recalcitrant plants. Life became incredibly quiet. There was no traffic, less pollution, no rush. Again Nature welcomed this sudden change in our daily routine. The birds have never been so present and masters of our environment. Or was it that I had time to observe them more frequently and attentively?
Which takes me to my second observation: taking more time to do things more thoroughly and analyzing my thoughts on how I do them. I discovered that I could listen more, think deeper and be more creative.
Zoom has been a remarkable tool for teaching and for meetings where there was less chatting and more getting to the point. In fact, many among us think that for board meetings and the likes, a Zoom conference could be more efficient in the future.
I have, and still do, enjoy Zoom Yoga thinking initially that I would miss the park where we would normally hold our class. In fact, I realize that being in my garden for the sessions is just as enjoyable if not more so. One less place to drive to. Water aerobics remained in person and were simply great. Exercise was a life savior as we all agree.
The confinement has also given my husband Philip and me the opportunity of being even more together: longer, unrushed meals, conversations, and discussions galore; more reading; plus watching great films on the television which we very seldom did before the pandemic.
Yes, of course we missed not seeing friends and the family, plus regretted having to cancel trips we were looking forward to. But knowing that all were doing well, in good spirit and in good health, I felt very peaceful.
I have missed live concerts above all and regular visits to museums and the little cafés where I meet good friends. It is hard to beat a good croissant and perfect latte even if one can have it at home. I love cafés!
Cooking has been very creative, and Philip has discovered a new hobby. From Himalayan salt block to sous vide cooking to steak au poivre flambé à l’Armagnac… veritable feasts.
I cannot, in all sincerity, say that it has been hard for Philip and me; we are indeed privileged, living in a house with a garden, not having to entertain and teach children in a small, apartment far away from elderly parents needing one’s help. Also, and very importantly, we did not need to worry about earning a living.
This situation has given me the opportunity to resituate many things, what is truly important, how to be fully present and more attentive to and empathetic of others, and the list goes on.
As far as new freedom is concerned, I don’t think that we are that free. The difficulty of this virus with its variants, its strength, its unpredictability, so small yet so huge. I believe we shall need to be careful, regardless, more aware of what we can bring to others in terms of infections. I am not worried but aware of the world’s vulnerability despite the extraordinary progress that surrounds us and how fascinating and admirable it all is. Still…we are fragile physically and emotionally, as is our environment.