2023 vs 2022

I overheard multiple conversations on the slopes these past few days, and one thing appeared to be loud and clear, is 2023 is feeling much better than 2022. Looking through the rearview window, it is crazy how a global pandemic rocked our world in countless ways, and we still feel the aftereffects.

My dearest friend sent many questions to people reflecting on the 3rd anniversary of the 2020 pandemic. She asks, “did we ever imagine that three years later, we would still find ourselves emerging from the impacts of lockdown?

I sat around a table with a bunch of women, and we went through these questions after I had already responded with my thoughts, and we talked about that time. I love data, so I am excited to see what the answers there are when she posts the results.

You, too, can play along at home. Here are the questions.

Where were you in March 2020?  Is there a moment that stands out in your memory?

What about the early days of lockdown do you remember most? 

Were you with or separated from your family?

How did you adapt to the lockdown?  Was there any silver lining?

Has the Covid era affected your work or professional aspirations?

Do you have any family experiences to share?

How have we changed as a society – what stands out for you?

What are some of the changes you have made that stick to this day?

What will you remember most about these years?   

How do you feel about “going back to normal” – do you feel or sense a resistance to it?

How do you feel about NYC?

These are the three questions and answers I will share.

#1 What about the early days of lockdown do you remember most? 

I felt as if we were living in a science fiction book.  So much of the information seemed so absurd.  Going to the grocery store was a planned event, wearing dishwashing gloves and a bandanna around my mouth.  I felt like a gangster in our own society. 

#2 How do you feel about “going back to normal” – do you feel or sense a resistance to it?

We are evolving. We aren’t going back.  I applaud the resistance to return, particularly for the next generation.  They need to live it differently, and who knows, maybe they know something we don’t 

#3 What are some of the changes you have made that stick to this day?

One dry vodka martini a day