Can anything good come
from the pandemic?
The pandemic crisis changed lives…
But besides recognizing the difficult things… can we see any changes that could be used for good? That could make your life better,,, easier… more thoughtful?
Or finally just obeying your mom who told you to wash your hands and stop touching your face!
Future scenarios?
Easier and safer visits to the doctor. How about having doctor visits via “Zoom”- no contagion spread in waiting rooms which used to be petrie dishes of possible contamination or just miserably long waiting times.
More online meetings - a person doesn’t have to travel distances to present a 15 minute update. Also, while watching online you can work out - clean your desk - or make snacks! (Or scratch!)
If you’re sick - zoom-watch: your church service, city council meeting, book discussion group, etc.
More online shopping… at least to check out what each store has to offer so you can get in and out quicker.
Keeping up with neighbors. No, you’re not snoopy…well, maybe a little! But they can be a safety net surrounding you.
Thoughts from folks on Facebook
So here are some ideas from folks on Facebook’s “Cannon Falls Open Forum”.
Emily Springer
“…thinking of “growing some of my own food (better gardening), the need to control more of where I spend my money (locally, smaller businesses), the importance of making and maintaining connections (phone calls, writing letters, sending birthday cards, letting people know you're thinking of them), how much clutter I've allowed into the lives of my family (over obligations, strict timelines, little free time, unnecessary physical items in our home).
“The importance of positive and realistic talks with the family about serious issues (we can be flexible, resilient, compromising, compassionate, and loving even in hard times of uncertainty and a lack of control) and allowing to hear their concerns... listening.
“Ultimately, it makes me re-evaluate and re-focus on how we want to live our lives and what's important.
“Again, this is a personal perspective, I understand many cannot see the light in these "times as they are extremely strenuous, and my thoughts are with everyone who is struggling right now.”
Dawn Lanning
“Young families enjoying time together instead of running from one activity to another. Working from home -- employers are finding that employees may even be more productive working from home because they are happier and can better manage family and work life.”
Jean Radke
“I think people are learning they don't need everything and to be grateful for what you have. Also I think a lot of families are spending more time with their children at home and not running around. I also think that it's going to make people think: do I really need all the things that I have to have?”
Corey Landon
“Community gardens/hobby farms would be good for if there were to ever be food shortages. Would most likely be a lot better for you too.”
Suzie Stachowski
“I would hope that those who can work from home will. It helps decrease pollution, less traffic and maybe (we) won’t have keep building wider highways, etc.”
More suggestions in following column.
