HAS THE WORLD YOU’VE KNOWN ENDED FOREVER?

HAS THE WORLD YOU’VE KNOWN ENDED FOREVER?

My answer is “yes”! I don’t wish to be morbid or fatalistic, but rather realistic and possibly logical. Today, the first day of Spring 2020, might in the future acquire the designation of 19-03-20 as the tipping point in our world as we have known it. With the invasion of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, most of the world has started to accept the reality that the tumultuous events reshaping our world are of major significance and are not just a temporary event that will move on and we will return to the lifestyle and standard we have grown accustomed to. Our “new world” calendar may well begin today!

Like most people, I first assumed that the coronavirus was just another of the latest strains, that after a couple of weeks would be over and we would forget about it as we have done in the past. I now understand how wrong I was. Its impact on Canada only became headline news about two weeks ago and now we are being informed that the precautions to contain it and prevent its spread will continue for at least six weeks or up to two or three months. And that is just an educated guess!

Most of us are already trying to comply with the directions of the medical profession to wash hands regularly, avoid any crowds and impose self-isolation whenever we display any signs of the disease or return from overseas travel. Numbers of infected and dying continue to rise and we are a long way from containment.

The more impactful effect is the collapse of our economic system as we have grown to know it. The stock market collapse, massive job layoffs, store closings, small business destruction, border closures, school closures, and the elimination of all group activities are cumulative and impact everyone to different degrees. As these conditions continue to grow, the familiar world we have all recently enjoyed is no more. Kids can’t go to school, movies and sporting events are canceled, libraries are closed, churches aren’t open for services, and a nice meal in a restaurant is just a memory. 

All of the above life changes and more will probably last minimally for at least six months. If that optimistic prediction is accurate, the recovery may not begin until late summer. Although recovery is a very uplifting sensation, the reality is that what has collapsed in a matter of a couple of weeks will probably take a couple of years to rebound. The turnaround will be slow and gradual. Don’t expect a miracle recovery.

So much for the depressing reality of our new world! There are however some silver linings in the clouds if we choose to search. With massive social distancing, families will spend much more time together and hopefully will take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their relationships. All of us are now forced to find more ways than just the Internet and TV to pass the many additional hours we have been awarded. A lot of new skills and hobbies may begin to develop if we work at it. We need to be flexible, accepting of change and willing to act in a positive manner. Our new world will be what we make it. 

In the future, most of us will be impacted negatively by changing economic factors and forced to live a far more simple life. The massive consumer culture that has evolved over the past decades will be forced to find other simpler diversions beyond exotic cars, 100 inch TVs, international weekend vacations, and imported food and wines. Although our travel may be restricted we may instead begin to enjoy local sites and parks. It may also lead to a less stressful, slower-paced, and more enjoyable life. Who knows!

Of utmost importance is that we keep in touch with family and friends more regularly than usual. A human voice or connection can go a long way to alleviate some of the stress and distress of this incredible time. Connect with someone now! You will both benefit!