Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter

Creating Our New Reality

Last week marked the anniversary of the shutdown in New York City. It’s been a year that has forced so many of us to grow and change, to learn how to Zoom, to telecommute, and to be alone, or, in some cases, to never be alone.

The other day I was talking to some friends (via Zoom) who were saying how they wanted to pick up some of the threads of their lives, but not all the threads. I think a lot of people feel the same way. This pandemic was like a huge de-clutter of our schedules. In one fell swoop, we lost commutes, social lives and extra-curriculars. With all upheaval comes the opportunity for change. If you were overextended, giving your time to causes you didn’t really care about, socializing with people who didn’t inspire you, COVID gave you an out. Now, it’s up to you if you want to opt back in or take this opportunity to reinvent yourself.

Maybe you want to give up raising money for your well-endowed college and instead get involved in social justice or neighborhood politics. Maybe you realize that what you missed wasn’t dinner in restaurants but going to the theatre. Maybe you didn’t miss anything at all and realized that nothing makes you happier than a good podcast and a jigsaw puzzle.

Whatever your experience over the last year, next year will be different, and I suggest you approach it mindfully. Don’t just rush to each new venue (stadiums, gyms) as they reopen. Ask yourself: “Did I miss this? Do I want to go?” If you did, then by all means, partake, but if your response is “meh,” stay home.

So much of adult life is accumulation, not only of objects, but of responsibilities and friendships. Many of these things are good, but some of them are just relics of our past selves. It is not often that adults get to hit the reset button, but I think COVID has given us that opportunity.

So, plan your post-COVID life mindfully. Make conscious choices. Don’t be in a rush to toss aside your slower morning routines. Try to be grateful for the opportunity to reshape your life, and try to create exactly the life you desire, because life is a very precious gift.