Change is (Always) Coming

 

By: Maureen Bautista

“Change is the only constant in life.” - Heraclitus

Human beings are amazing in the way they swiftly adapt to whatever life throws at them. Our ancestors learned how to make fire and weapons out of stone to survive; they formed civilizations and tended to their crops and animals for consumption; even more complex technologies are created using their intellect that made everything easier and more convenient today. Now that young people such as me are facing the first (and, I hope, the last) worldwide crisis that shook the foundations of society in our lives, the concept of “Hedonic Adaptation” may explain how natural it is for us to physically and emotionally adjust our lifestyles to accommodate the limitations this pandemic brought. 

Now, it is just instinct for some of us to put on our masks and face shields whenever we have to go outside. We trade hugs and handshakes for a simple wave or smile, hoping the other can still sense it behind the cover. The clothes worn go directly to the laundry, the shoes stay near the doorstep, and we go directly to the shower after we are in the safety of our own homes. From face-to-face classes to work, we had to continue in the online setting despite its difficulties. In my personal life, which some may relate as well, the pandemic has heightened feelings of stress, anxiety, and paranoia. Being confined at home with minimal contact from people made me think of ways on how to take care of my mental health, whether that would simply be writing random things, reading books, watching movies, playing games, chatting with my friends, or even just spending time with my mom who I have been together with 24/7 - things that I wasn’t able to do much before the pandemic. Everyone adopted a new everyday routine that seemed weird to think would end once this pandemic is over. Though these are big changes, I do agree with the idea of "Focusing Illusion," wherein we may have overestimated its impact in our lives now that we became accustomed to the “new normal.” We just have to continue paddling our way despite the immense waves rolling towards us.

The economy is opening, and the vaccines are coming. However, people have become too complacent due to the pandemic fatigue, which became evident in the COVID-19 cases increasing at such an alarming rate leading to the return of curfews and lockdowns. It may seem like we are back at square one; however, the world is still turning, and time is still ticking. As Burkeman has said, we do not wait for the future that is still undetermined, but we are “creating it on the go.” Though I believe there are just some things out of our control, the decisions we make and the actions we take do create a huge impact on what kind of change we want to see in the future. It is ultimately up to us whether we want to break this seemingly never-ending circle, even if it means following the said routine for a little while longer.

Sources:

https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/art-and-lockdown-your-drawings-time-coronavirus