Looking ahead to a new normal

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The pandemic and lockdowns have been tough on most people. There is no use pretending otherwise and there is no ignoring it.

Everyone’s life has changed in some way or another. There are the health consequences for those who have become ill or tragically lost a loved one. There are the economic consequences for those who have lost their jobs or seen their business shuttered.

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There are also the daily changes that, while smaller by comparison, still matter. People can’t do the things they love. Watching sports games in person, having a pint at the bar with friends, going to the gym – these remain off limits for the time being.

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Whether it’s the big or the small differences, these changes are taking their toll on people around the world and Canadians are no exception.

Some people are taking it harder than others. But, regardless, all responses are valid. The frustrations are real. The hurt is real.

Meanwhile, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest racism. Some have turned to violence and looted. That should be denounced. But the majority have been peaceful and their voices deserve to be heard. Their frustrations are real and the stress of the pandemic have no doubt intensified them.

Human beings are feeling extremely fragile right now. It’s important we recognize that. Medical experts have pointed out that so many negative health indicators have worsened. This can range from something as minor as no longer keeping active to increased addiction.

We need to keep this in mind as we interact with family, friends and co-workers. People may not be feeling well, either physically or mentally. They may need words of reassurance or someone to talk to. Sadly, we can’t offer warm hugs right not. At least not to those in our immediate circle.

The warm weather has finally come to Canada and the lockdowns are slowly lifting. Life is beginning to return to some version of normal.

Some restrictions will continue though. Our lives remain changed.

This means the stresses that the pandemic has brought will also stick around, for the time being.

In the meantime, we need to be there for each other.

– Postmedia Network