So many folks have been to hell and back since the pandemic began in a lot of ways, and not necessarily because of health or financial concerns you might expect. For a number of different reasons, a massive amount of people simply no longer look at things the way they used to or have realized what is and isn’t important to them. The end result is sudden and big changes in jobs, relationships, attitudes, and lifestyles. Here’s one perspective about how this sudden introspection, although sometimes challenging, triggering, and life-altering, mostly benefitted us.  

Certainly, there is, and has been, a lot of financial strain and uncertainty. Many people have had to navigate unemployment, outrageous rising costs, and work under less-than-tolerable conditions for less than adequate pay. For many people, this was the last straw when it came to being committed to jobs, careers, or companies that don’t value them or that they no longer align with. Many have decided that it is no longer worth it to work where you feel unappreciated and can’t even make ends meet. Also, people recognize that sticking with a job or career you hate simply because you went to school for it and already devoted X number of years to it is not helpful in the long run. Those challenging transitions don’t scare people anymore because those realities no longer resonate with them, and they’d rather face the uncertainty of figuring out an alternative career path than continue down the road they’re on. Even with so many Americans being as poor as they are right now, major corporations will have to find ways to improve if they want to keep a decent workforce around.

Those corporations will also need to be more conscientious in their decision-making as it pertains to public image with consumers. People are becoming much more concerned with and more quickly educated about corporate greed, malfeasance, and those effects on us, our economy, our health, etc. We have truly begun to realize that one of the best forms of protest is where we spend our dollars, and more corporations have recently begun feeling the effects of their attitude toward consumers. Moving forward, if corporations refuse to compete, or news of shady dealings come to light, etc., consumers are taking their money elsewhere in growing numbers (and dragging said corporations on the internet mercilessly). It’s a FAFO world out there (“f*ck around, find out” - for those of us just barely keeping up, haha), and word travels fast when they mess up.

Family, friendships, and romantic relationships also saw major upheavals and changes in dynamics. For one, at the height of things, being stuck at home with someone is one very intense way to test a relationship. Talk about magnifying any issues that might have already existed under the surface! Many people hit their breaking point in any relationship where one or both parties couldn't hear and respond to the other’s needs or communicate effectively, where there was mistreatment, etc.. We need to realize that’s okay. In all relationships, if the parties cannot get on the same page, whether because of inability or unwillingness to change or because they are simply less compatible, then there is nothing wrong with ending or changing that relationship. It is unlikely the relationship will become satisfactory to either party. People also shouldn’t do each other (or themselves) the disservice of not creating space in their lives for relationships that are much more beneficial to them and an overall better fit. 

This goes much deeper than wanting a different job, a better-run government, or a different relationship. Those things are symptoms of the much bigger questions that are coming up internally for us all. These changes are foundational and likely permanent. The core side effect of all that isolation, slowing things down, etc., was true self-reflection for a large number of people - without all of the “stuff” we fill our lives with. Without all the work, driving, people, social gatherings, activities, errands to run, and so on, many were left looking in the mirror wondering, “Who am I?” “What am I?” and “What do I really want?”, or “Why am I so unhappy?”.

It has definitely resulted in some serious rough patches: sudden, unexpected resurfacing of traumas, a sense of urgency to address ongoing mental health issues, relationship dynamics, re-evaluating careers, spiritual paths, and overall worldview—you name it. It is difficult asking oneself those uncomfortable questions, getting the courage to take action, and going through the struggle phases of doing work on oneself. However, the discomfort of reoccurring themes that continued to pop up for many was a pain great enough to inspire that process. The truth is, these problems were ticking time bombs and were bound to come to a head eventually. It’s probably better for people to have these realizations sooner rather than later. Though the pandemic intensified everything for the reasons above, and it was a lot all at once, we simply can’t avoid the pain that will bring us the growth and stability we really want. 

What Does it Mean for Us?

Simply put, many people are going to stop showing up for things that no longer align with their life, their health, or their well-being: not for tumultuous relationships or home life; not for abuse; not for sh*tty compensation, benefits or employers; and not for anything that takes too much freedom, or time away from what they really value. Many people are tired of not actually living life and constantly settling for less. It’s because they have been forced to see their unhappiness, remembered what mattered most to them, and decided to finally do something about it. Call it a large-scale societal shift, call it a mass spiritual awakening, call it whatever you want - it will ultimately result in healthier and happier lives, more compassion, positive shifts in consciousness, and even major changes to entire industries, politics, and our economic makeup with emerging changes in worldview and solutions. 

If you’re reading this, and you found yourself feeling a lot of those discomforts this whole time but feel as though you didn’t quite take those things on and put in the work to improve - don’t be hard on yourself. Self-improvement is not easy, but it is an act of self-love, and there is never a bad day to start the process of living a better life. Your feelings, motivations, and desires are valid and deserve your attention. It could be the difference between living a so-so life and a great one. Remember to get the help you need from a coach, therapist, healer, etc., if you’re struggling to find the direction and take action. A third-party perspective can lend a lot of help! If you haven’t started making changes in your life, know that life presents you with opportunities to do itWhen you change, everything changes!