This life altering event has already impacted my life in many ways. Some changes will have a short lifespan, while others will be part of my new norm. As a business owner, I have been hesitant to fully embrace the work from home model. My associates have always had the option, but I was strongly holding onto my office and my in-person meetings. Now I see that there is a better way. A more productive way that allows me to spend more time with my family and spend less time in a car contributing to traffic and pollution. My new norm will see me spending my mornings and late afternoons working from home like I do now – from the kitchen counter while my family is doing school work, playing or preparing their next meal. The bigger picture is what happens when millions of people do the same. Will we need as much office space? Will we need to spend tax dollars to incentivize corporate headquarters anymore? Maybe not. Maybe our energy, money and square footage can be shifted towards housing – much needed housing. This is the beginning of a future for me that will subtract office space and car miles from my footprint- while adding family time and productivity to my future. I think about what that means for our planet if I am only one of millions shifting their lifestyles for good.
Concern: Safety of my neighborhood
Cant work ! Cant eat.
I cater for a living.social distancing,has pretty much eliminated my ability to earn income to support my family.
Gone too soon….
I am use to staying home, even during weekends (prior to covid 19). The quarantine part was not that difficult to adhere to. I know for a fact what has impacted me emotionally and psychologically the most…the social distancing, not able to go to church, visit family in New York, but most of all is hearing of close relatives and friends in New York City/New Jersey whom have lost a loved one. I have a very close friend who lost her husband and younger brother all in a month. It is just all too surreal… the massive amounts of lives gone all too soon.Those precious first responders, especially in major cities. All of this seems like a 9/11 tragedy repeating itself (one I survived), as a worldwide pandemic attack.
25 (Story #308)
The corona virus has changed the way I work on my job . I am a teacher . Schools are closed . I am doing online teaching now . The virus has slowed the progress of my restaurant build out . I cant visit friends and family Like I use to
Staying heathy
The virus has affect alot of my community senior and lot of the kids having to be inside alot .myself lose work and found working is hard to go out and look for work .and trying to keep bills payed and staying healthy.
Hopeful for Change
Today I was at the gas station with my husband. We had our masks in my purse for when we would enter the grocery store. I also had hand sanitizer and wipes for when he finished pumping gas. I’m the furthest thing from a germophobe and I was actually impressed that I remembered not one, but two things that could allegedly protect us from falling ill. As I processed the need for these new objects that were now crucial from me to remember when I leave the house in addition to my phone, wallet and keys, I noticed something.An older white woman who was alone was clearly having car trouble. A black man ran right up to her with a smile on his face ready to help. Without hesitation, they shook each others hands. Normally, I wouldnt overthink or probably even notice the interaction. But in that moment of fear and wondering what all of us had to do to or should be doing to adapt to this new world and to keep ourselves safe, I stopped myself and thought…Stop thinking about how the man is at a much greater risk of infection because of the fact that inequity is already a pre-existing health condition. Stop thinking about the fact that the older white woman was also at greater risk being someone of her age. Just breathe. Admire the acts of selflessness that surround you during this time. Remember that if there is ever going to be a turning point in this dark, twisted world, its right now. Maybe, just maybe, that handshake between two people who may not have otherwise ever been connected may be a sign of things to come. I dont want to assume that this is hopeful anymore. For the first time, in a long time, I think that its possible.
Our COVID 19 Journey
The Corona Virus certainly has affected my life in so many ways.As it has every one in the world.Our family life has changed dramatically. I am not able to visit my adult children and their families for family dinner,or celebrate my children’s April birthdays. I like to play with the grandkidor just spend time with them.Now wectalk more on the phone , provide calls.Our family was not able to have a family dinner for Easter.We have also discontinued going to church weekly, we do virtual service or Conference calls.I attend a weekly Bible Study classes each Wednesday morning we now meet via Zoom for our Tuesday morning leaders class and our Wednesday morning Bible study groups.I mentor two students at Village Academy in Tuesday and Wednesday during lunch,now we text or call each other weekly. One if my mentees is a graduating Senior and Class Salutatorian I will not get an opportunity to see her graduate and personally congratulate her.
Stuck (Story #295)
This pandemic has changed the way I move about. It has, in a way affected my freedom. I still have a choice to move and go as I please but the chance of getting the virus is not one I want to take. Im a person that doesnt do much anyway but this situation has me doing nothing. I would truly like to move freely without the worry of getting sick from the coronavirus.
I Needed to Change
Aside from losing my job and having anxiety on and off, from the fear of catching the virus, I have been doing quite well. We have only spent money on food and supplies. Its surprising how much frivolous spending we used to do. I have had more time to be with my family and to work on myself. I have been doing yoga, writing, and reflecting. I am committed to continuing the healthy habits I am cultivating. My heart hurts for everyone who has suffered from this virus. I believe that it is our duty, to those that have and are suffering, to come out of this as better, kinder people.
A Hard 2020!
The lack of family interaction has been a major impact in my life. I have a 3 year old grandson and my stepdaughter is due with another grandson in July. For risk of infection, we can only facetime or talk through the windows. I also have a daughter who is graduating May 2nd from FSU, who had her heart set on walking across the stage, ut can’t.