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How wild is it that we’ve been navigating a pandemic for over 18 months? We’re all feeling drained and frustrated as time seems to speed by while also dragging on. Remember when we first heard about “the novel coronavirus”? It felt like a different world back then. Initially, there was hope that it would be a brief interruption, but as time went on, we tried to make the best of a tough situation—yes, that included using lemons for vodka cocktails.
The spring of 2020 was a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty, as we faced a vastly altered reality. In hindsight, there was a strange comfort in the notion that we were all in this together. But, eventually, that sentiment faded. Ah, pandemic nostalgia.
People experienced this time in a variety of ways. Were you a parent turned instant teacher? Or someone who transitioned to remote work overnight? Perhaps you were a high school senior who missed out on prom or graduation? Or maybe you faced the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one. We all sacrificed something, and the past year and a half is time we can’t reclaim. So, is there value in reflecting on what we’ve lived through?
What Is Pandemic Nostalgia?
Merriam-Webster defines nostalgia as a mix of pleasure and sadness from recalling past experiences and wishing to relive them. But what about pandemic nostalgia? Was there genuinely any pleasure involved? Honestly, once we’re past this, I’d be content if it never happened again—not in my lifetime, nor in my children’s or grandchildren’s. Yet science reminds us this isn’t the first pandemic, nor will it be the last. So, what are we feeling nostalgic about?
According to Dr. Lisa Martinez, a psychology expert who researches memory and nostalgia, “Looking back on experiences from the pandemic helps people process and grow from what they endured.” When framed that way, it does make sense. In the early days, “We’re all in this together” echoed through every commercial, email, and podcast. It was an omnipresent message.
Depending on individual circumstances, the start of the pandemic felt less chaotic and more like a chance to slow down. With nowhere to go, many had the time to explore new hobbies, start side projects, or focus on self-improvement. We connected with loved ones more deeply and sincerely. Life seemed simpler—if you were fortunate enough to only have your own well-being to consider.
It’s no surprise that people yearn for those initial days when we were baking bread and applauding healthcare workers instead of threatening them. We crafted paper hearts for our windows to remind our kids that, despite the challenges, humanity prevails. Yet, it was difficult to reconcile the reality that many people we thought we knew revealed themselves to be very different than we imagined.
Caught Between Then and Now
For many of us, the initial hope of togetherness quickly unraveled. Despite our desire to believe in unity, events unfolded that demonstrated the opposite. Our world was turned upside down from day one, with no pause in the frantic effort to keep our loved ones safe. We shifted from buying masks and sanitizer for neighbors to questioning why they stopped using them.
Throughout this pandemic, we’ve witnessed the largest social justice movements in decades and participated in voting to bring rational voices to leadership. Conversely, we’ve also faced the threat of authoritarianism and an unprecedented insurrection. Life feels fictional at times, yet it’s our reality. So, where do we go from here?
A year and a half is a significant stretch of time, and we still find ourselves in the midst of it. Each day we push forward, astonished that we’ve made it this far. Longing for something that’s still unfolding is perplexing. While some have chosen to risk a return to pre-pandemic life, others remain cautious, waiting to see what this “new normal” entails.
There will be many aspects of life before the pandemic that we leave behind, but a few lessons are worth carrying forward: kindness, empathy, and the understanding that we are one large human family trying to navigate this chaos together. That’s what I find myself nostalgic for.
If you want to delve deeper into related topics, check out this blog post. For those interested in improving their chances of conception, consider exploring fertility supplements. Additionally, for more information on home insemination, the NHS has excellent resources.