The Covid-19 pandemic arrived like an uninvited storm, changing the course of life overnight. In the beginning, it felt surreal, as if we were caught in a moment that would soon pass, but days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Now, looking back years later, I realize just how much our lives were shaped by that period—how we adapted, struggled, and ultimately learned from the experience.
At first, there was fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of getting sick, and fear of what the future held. The daily news updates painted a grim picture, and stepping outside even for essential errands felt like stepping into an invisible battlefield. We recalibrated our routines, ensuring every outing was planned, every surface sanitized, and every precaution taken. Simple habits like washing hands became rituals, and masks became second nature. Then there was the absurdity of panic buying—first, it was toilet paper, then cooking oil. It was baffling to see shelves wiped clean, as if hoarding these items would somehow offer protection from a virus.
One of the biggest disruptions was the shift to remote work. At the time, working from home felt like a luxury, but it quickly became clear that it had its own set of challenges. The lines between professional and personal life blurred, and setting up a structured routine became essential. Virtual meetings replaced in-person discussions, and we learned to communicate more effectively through screens rather than across desks. Now, even after the pandemic, remote and hybrid work have remained a part of many industries, showing just how much this period transformed the way we approach our careers.
Social life, too, underwent a transformation. The warmth of human connection, something we had always taken for granted, was suddenly out of reach. No more spontaneous gatherings, no more casual visits to the bakeshop for a treat and a chat. Instead, we found new ways to stay in touch. Video calls became a lifeline, and checking in on friends and family became a priority. While the digital space could never truly replace face-to-face interaction, it helped bridge the gap and reminded us of the importance of relationships in times of crisis.
Health and wellness took center stage like never before. With gyms closed and movement restricted, we had to rethink how we stayed active. Morning walks in quieter streets, home workouts, and mindfulness exercises became essential parts of our routine. More than physical fitness, mental well-being became a focus. The uncertainty of the pandemic took a toll, and many of us learned to manage stress, whether through meditation, reading, or simply taking breaks from the relentless cycle of news and social media.
But the hardest part of all was the loss and suffering that surrounded us. I lost two teachers—one from high school and one from college—to Covid. It was scary and heartbreaking to think that, without the virus, they might still be alive today. Our Oma, my husband’s grandmother, had a stroke during the pandemic, and we could not be there with her in the hospital. She had to suffer alone until she passed away. We were left wondering if the vaccine had contributed to her condition. Then, my husband’s father had an accident that required surgery, but due to hospital restrictions, we could only visit him from outside. The helplessness of not being able to be with loved ones during critical times was one of the most painful aspects of that period.
To add to the struggle, we ourselves caught Covid twice. We were not initially pro-vaccine, as we feared what it could do to our bodies, but we decided to get vaccinated so we could travel. In the end, we regretted it, as restrictions were lifted just a few months later—we should have waited. The uncertainty and constant changes in policies made every decision feel like a gamble.
Travel plans were another casualty of the pandemic. We had already booked a flight to Naples, excited for a vacation on the Amalfi Coast, but we had to cancel everything due to restrictions. It was disappointing, another reminder of how unpredictable life had become.
Food habits also changed. Dining out was no longer an option, and while I did cook occasionally, it was mostly my husband who took on the responsibility. Cooking, which once seemed like a chore, became a creative outlet for him. Experimenting with new recipes, understanding nutrition better, and even appreciating the effort that goes into preparing meals became small yet significant changes in our lifestyle. It was not just about feeding the body but also about nurturing the mind through mindful eating.
Looking back, one of the biggest realizations was the value of adaptability. Plans were no longer set in stone, and the ability to pivot and embrace change became essential. From canceled travel plans to postponed celebrations, we had to learn to let go of expectations and find joy in smaller, everyday moments. The definition of success shifted from big achievements to simply making it through the day with positivity.
The way we consumed information also changed. With misinformation spreading rapidly, we became more conscious of where we got our news from. Fact-checking, relying on credible sources, and not falling into the trap of panic-driven narratives helped us stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. It became clear that being aware was important, but so was maintaining a sense of balance and not letting negativity take over.
Despite the challenges, the pandemic also brought unexpected silver linings. Slower days meant more time for introspection. We rediscovered hobbies we had long abandoned, spent more time with family, and appreciated the small things in life that often went unnoticed in the rush of pre-pandemic days. It was a forced pause, but one that allowed us to reset priorities and understand what truly mattered.
Financially, it was a period of learning. The uncertainty reinforced the importance of savings, budgeting, and planning for unforeseen circumstances. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses and being mindful of financial decisions became a habit rather than a forced necessity. It was a time that highlighted the fragility of stability and the importance of preparedness.
The biggest lesson, however, was about resilience. The human spirit, despite hardships, found ways to adapt, to support, and to keep moving forward. Communities came together, people helped each other in whatever ways they could, and despite the distance, there was a collective sense of hope. Witnessing that, being part of that, was perhaps one of the most profound takeaways from this period.
Now that the pandemic is behind us, I realize that the changes it brought will never fully fade. Some habits, some perspectives, and some lessons are here to stay. Life as we knew it before Covid-19 may never return in the same way, but perhaps that’s not entirely a bad thing. The past few years have been a testament to human adaptability, and if there’s one thing I know now, it’s that we are far more capable of adjusting to change than we ever give ourselves credit for.
