How Abnormal is the “New Normal”

Since the onset of Covid19, we have been pushed to think that the “World is not going to be the same” anymore. All our established methods of living and working will change. All our modes and models of communication, interaction, socialising, meetings etc will change drastically. The very thought of the burden of this change is giving us nightmares. One question keeps on haunting us

 How?

How are we going to manage such a transition without rocking our boat too much or probably rocking it a bit without shaking the foundation!!

Life form is used to evolution (a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development). We are not used to such drastic, brash, unsettling turn. A turn which is now threatening our very existence. It has disrupted our way of life.

As a result, all our emotions are running wild. In reality, we don’t know what to “emote” anymore!! Should we be scared, should we be threatened, should we be angry, should we be cool ….we don’t know.

In this entire cacophony of emotions running havoc, there are certain constants which has not changed and will not change.

Our Inner Circle (social security)– Our relationships with our close knits has not changed. Our longingness to bring them alive around us is still the same. Our desire to stay close to them is still the same or may have grown. A call which used to be once a week has almost become daily now.

Quest for a better life (aspirations)– This is never ending. But now, the obvious option of moving out of home in quest of better opportunities, may not be obvious anymore. While the quest remains constant, it will get manifested in a different way. We build our “better life” where we belong. The narrative will change from “missing out on opportunities due to family” to “Creating opportunities near my family place”.

Who is Richer, who is more successful (competition)– This competition will remain but the definitions will change. Success and richness may not be defined with money anymore. It may change to “Value Creation”. Tomorrow we will compete on this intangible quotient called Value. Probably we will find a way to quantify Value.

Food (source of energy)– Food used to occupy the pole position of our lives. Food has been the reason for so many memorable moments but we remember the moments only. Our distractions has reduced the importance of food to a commodity. A commodity which has always been a constant part for stay on this earth. This constant will gain prominence!!

Getaways (explore) – Quest for exploration will not change. The exotic international money squandering destination holidays will have to wait. The local spots, which have been ignored so far gains prominence. The Old Bridge, the ancient fort, the broken temple, mosque, church, the haunted cobwebbed villa will start seeing local visitors.

The new world order will need adjustments; it will need certain sacrifices; it will need certain reorientation. But all these changes do not alter the basic fabric. It is just reorienting the existing layer we have built on top of it. We have to emotionally align to this.

If you come to think of it, the New Normal is not that abnormal after all!!