I have really gotten into using online delivery services for about everything. I know that the delivery drivers have my address saved. Some may even have our frequent orders saved. Putting away the items from a recent order got me to thinking how my world has changed since the pandemic- aside from the obvious mask in every pocket and slight shudder when anyone coughs in my vicinity. Norms have morphed into something I wouldn’t have even recognized three years ago.
One of my favorite changes is online grocery shopping- for everything! I hardly ever step foot in a grocery store anymore. You know what? I spend lots less this way. I stick to my list with no impulse buys. I never thought that would happen. I am also apt to try different brands of food- and so is my son- a miracle in itself! The chronic shortages of certain items have been frustrating, but not debilitating. We never ran out of toilet paper. I use Shipt and Instacart depending on where I want to shop. Today, I used both- one for groceries and the other for a Target run. Overall, I highly recommend incorporating these services into your life. Take some time back.
Working from home is hands-down the way for me. I left K-12 education to pursue instructional design in the business world a few years ago. That alone was a great decision for me, especially since my corporate jobs have been remote. So when the pandemic hit and everyone went home to work virtually, I wasn’t worried at all. I welcomed my teammates into the virtual work world and helped them adjust to the “new office.” Working from home has proven to be less stressful for me and my family- and my dogs. I save money on lunches and gas. I have my own restroom and can eat seafood or garlic without bothering my coworkers. I am more productive because of the lack of interruptions. Seriously, I love this working environment. Don’t get me wrong, I miss the social aspects of working in an office, but have found ways to collaborate and communicate beyond texting and emails. It’s been good.
My sense of time is off though. I hardly ever know what day it is, what time it is, and have to think about the month- because it really doesn’t matter. Sundays are my anchor because I go to church, or watch it on my iPad depending on the Covid numbers. I am even more reliant on the calendar on my phone than I was before the pandemic. I have to enter all appointments, birthdays, dates, engagements, and anything with a deadline. I even put reminders in to order groceries. I don’t think it is a bad thing because it is a tool to keep me organized and sane. Yes, I even have an entry for church on Sundays.
Gratitude for essential workers is not necessarily a new concept for me. My niece is an awesome nurse in a big hospital. I could never do her job and I know that many depend on it. My definition of essential workers has changed. I have more respect for people that work in grocery stores, delivery drivers, pharmacy workers, postal carriers, bus drivers, clergy, and TEACHERS than I did before the world shook us all out of place. These people are the foundation of life as we know it. The people who have had to adapt their work environment to meet the needs of others are amazing. These folks who continue to work as they always have, maybe with a few more precautions, so that I could work from my home office and order my groceries will forever be heroes in my book.
The pandemic is not cool. I don’t relish the idea of people dying because of it. My family and I are all vaccinated and boostered to help us and everyone around us safe. Keeping with my goal of positivity and finding reasons to be joyful, I see that some good has resulted in the attempt to remain free from the wretched virus. Some things will become normal for me, even if the meaning of that word is changing all of the time. I will continue to use resources and work in environments that have proven to make my life easier. That doesn’t make me lazy, as some have taunted, but it does make me happy (and smart). I will strive to recognize when my life is positively impacted by the actions of another. I strongly suggest you do the same.
Lifelong Learner 