In some ways the time has flown during the lockdown, and in others it’s creeping along impossibly slowly. Today I just haven’t felt the desire to write. Not one word. But, I never quit a challenge unless I absolutely have to and so I’m going to be creative, if slightly rambl-y, in today’s post.
Last week, the newspapers reported that three members of a family from Delhi’s Defence Colony tested positive for Covid-19, and checked into Max Hospital in Saket. Today, the elderly gentleman lost his life to the disease, and though his wife has recovered and returned home, their middle-aged son is still battling it out in the ICU. This family is distantly related to my father, and though I didn’t know them well, it’s the closest I’ve come to the facing the ultimate truth of this virus.
It feels more real and scary so close to home, but I strongly believe we have to wade through this feeling. There is a lot of distance to cover between now and the end of coronavirus. Till then, I request you to join me in sending a silent prayer for all affected families.
In case you’ve noticed, I’ve been expending a ton of energy in phrasing alliterative titles corresponding to each letter of the alphabet, for the posts in my A to Z series. Quite a tough task because none of my posts are pre-planned, forcing me to be creative with the subject matter at hand. However, the alliterative title for the letter N was the easiest to come up with.
The term ‘New Normal’ is being brandished almost as much the term ‘corona’ itself. What is the new normal? It’s the altered state of reality and circumstances brought on by the virus taking over the world. We don’t know what the future holds for us, but we know it’s going to be different from everything we have known and accepted so far.
I have learnt a lot during this time and I’d like to recap what I’ve discovered so far, as constituting the new normal:
- The best way to stay productive and safe is to work from home. For bloggers, the ideal route is to sign up for an international blogging challenge, where they write and publish posts on a daily basis, earning tons of traffic and community engagement in return.
- Books are everlasting companions in times of need. Even if you don’t have access to a bookshop or personal library, you can enjoy reading ebooks.
- Prayer unites us all, but now prayers must be done from the confines of our homes.
- Connecting with strangers online, through various ‘meet-and-greets’, workshops and talks, is the new way to socialise and network.
- Digital content creators must churn out content consistently and rapidly, because it’s being lapped up by a willing audience.
- Finances are worrisome for all, but this is the best time to educate yourself on managing your money once the crisis ends.
- The travel industry has taken the hardest hit, and one worries that zipping around the world at will is not going to be as easy as it previously was.
- Home-schooling is necessary and encouraged to minimise the disruption to your child’s education.
- Entertainment through TV and online streaming services has taken on immense importance, to help everyone sail through these tough times.
- Frustrations abound across the board, as people are stuck at home. These often lead to online fights and bullying.
- Children are affected by these changes too, but are the fastest to adapt to the situation as long as their parents actively engage with them.
- Festivals that are usually celebrated with the larger community, now become opportunities to reflect on our historic past, as we all stay home.
- Anxiety, stress and depression are unfortunate side effects of coronavirus, but we can beat these mental health issues by staying positive and connected to our friends and family.
- Ordering food from outside has become a difficult task which involves much planning and preparation.
- Online community games that one can play with friends and family are becoming very popular.
- Email newsletters from magazines, newspapers, bloggers and brands, are the best way to consume valuable information for free during this time.
- Couples at different stages of their relationship have been affected differently during the forced lockdown.
- The pandemic gave rise to undocumented fears, which unfortunately led to various social stigmas against certain sections of society.
- One misses the simple pleasures of life the most- dressing up and meeting friends, travelling etc.
- The consumption of alcohol has risen during these times, which prompted the government to first ban its sale, and then hike up the tax to an absurd amount!
- Various video challenges on social media have become all the rage, such as Dalgona coffee making and the ‘pass-the-brush’ challenge!
- Whatsapp groups have exploded in terms of activity, as the world adopts digital means as the best form of communication.
- Exercising at home has become fashionable and even a necessity to combat the stress weight that everyone seems to be gaining!
- No matter how terrible 2020 seems, a change in one’s perspective shows why this jolt was needed for the overall well-being of humanity.
- Having so much time on my hands has allowed me to be more productive than ever before, to forge new paths and reinvent old ones. I’ve even started my own business of teaching the basics of blogging through intensive workshops.
If you’d like to read about any of these issues more in-depth, you can click on the highlighted blue links that will take you to the corresponding post.
Ultimately, there’s nothing we can do except stay positive and healthy to the best of our ability. This too shall pass, and one day, we may even make light of the situation.
My tip to beat the lockdown blues today is:
Write down 5 things that you consider miracles in your life, and pin that paper in a prominent position in your room. This will be a healthy reminder of things you should be thankful for.
I sadly haven’t seen any TV shows that begin with the letter N- not even popular ones like ‘Narcos’ and ‘New Girl’, hence I’ll refrain from recommending them just yet. But here’s a movie recommendation for you instead:
“Newton” on Amazon Prime Video is about a young election officer who is asked to enlist the names of the eligible constituents from a prominent Naxalite area, before national elections. Rajkummar Rao does a brilliant job in this quirky and difficult role.
A book that I absolutely loved reading is:
“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro. A dystopian novel about cloned children growing up in an orphanage. Fascinating plot and beautiful writing.
That’s it for today folks!
Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter N?
Namaste till tomorrow!
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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up. Read my other posts here:
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Your blog has such variety! I really enjoy reading your posts x
Thank you 😊
The only way to sail through this is staying positive. I really hope this New Normal is only temporary!!
This new normal may be temporary, but an altered normal is certainly to be expected afterwards!
We all have days when we do not want to write but we need to push ourselves. A lovely recap. I hope the testing times pass soon and we remember the lessons learnt
Yes I hope so too 😊
Yesterday, I was having a similar chat with a friend that we have accepted this new normal and even after all this is over, we will take to accept the altered normal. It so surprising how we adjust to circumstances when we don’t have many options to pick from…
Yes that’s true… we do adjust quickly
You know Noor, today afternoon, I had felt a sense of severe anxiety for 30 minutes and during that time, I was feeling so stressed out..worried about my girls who had been at home only since more than 1 month. but after sometime i had realized that this is not the right way to deal with the situation..hoping and praying everything gets normal soon..and I have to say so far you had shared really awesome posts for the theme and for the current situation as well. loved them all.
Surbhi, I’m glad you talked yourself out of the anxiety… we will all come out of this together 🤗
Wish you strength Noor. The new normal isn’t easy. We need the mental tenacity to bear the worst and hope for the best. Stay safe!
Thank you Sonia 😊
Agreed! Same situation I am facing. Nearby 1km cases have raised. My husband is working. In all of this chaos, I choose to keep my mind calm. That’s why I am doing lots of activity with my kids or alone. Prayers are an essential part of the routine.
Yes so true… Glad you are keeping your spirits up!
Maintaining sanity these days is tough. You’ve given valuable suggestions for the times.
Thank you
We stay at ease as long as there’s no one that we know affected by the virus. There’s going to be a new normal once the lockdown is finally lifted too.
I admire how you write engaging posts everyday with no preparation. Way to go!
Thank you 😊
Let’s hope ‘the ultimate normal’ takes away all the negativity this new normal has brought to us and welcomes us with some surprising positive changes.
Yes let’s hope
Oh, this New Normal is so daunting in many ways and quite thought-provoking in another. Hope we soon emerge winners from it…retaining the good we realized in the process and learning from the lessons taught. You have written so well, I really love reading your posts.
Thank you 😊
True Noor, it is a scary situation. Thinking about the present and the times after corona often panics me. I have been praying to the almighty daily !
Sending you lots of love Jhilmil 🤗
Indeed this is the new normal. Newton is a personal favorite. I was hoping it wins atleast one Oscar. Namratha is a brilliant poet.
Thanks for stopping by!
Ya ,It really shake you when very close one is affected with this virus.
New country new community new thinking new humanity is building because of this correct situation. It do has a mix feeling of new changes.
Yes mixed feelings indeed… thank you for stopping by!
I liked your miracles list idea Noor. Think I am going to do that. And thank you for the shoutout!
My pleasure 😇
Another relevant post for these times. One good thing is that most companies which used to fuss against wfh are now pushing for it 🙂
Haha that’s a nice way of looking at it!
I hear you Noor. Last week a friend in London lost his father to coronavirus. A man so full of life. All we can hope and pray that there is a resolution to all this soon.
Awww I’m so sad to hear that.. my condolences to him
I can sense your discomfort about the Defence Colony family buddy and it is understandable so u the new normal. What I really like that you are genuinely penning down how you feel, I am doing that too buddy.
Yes our handling of our themes has been quite similar 😊
Write down 5 things that you consider miracles in your life, and pin that paper in a prominent position in your room. This will be a healthy reminder of things you should be thankful for. This is my take away from here. Very useful post Noor.
Thank you Swarnali! Hope you will do it… it really helps 😊
Sure Noor 🙂
😊
I liked the idea of writing down % miracles. guess I shall do it today.
Yes you must!
I love your tip of the day! I have started a gratitude journal .will add miracles in it too! Thank you for the show recommendation 😁
My pleasure 😇
I loved the idea about writing down 5 miracles or blessings in our life and pin them, so that we know how lucky we are.
About being closest to the virus, today a neighbour of my husband’s boss expired due to COVID19 in Mumbai. It is scary than I presumed.
Yes the closer it is, the scarier it feels
The new normal, yes that’s what we are experiencing.
Can make out what chaos it gives to mind when you have seen the covid battling people in your circle.
Loved your tip of pinning miracles of life, sure to give that positive kick.
Have seen Newton, its a good watch.
Namysays is very creative blog, and I had always loved her poetry a lot.
Thank you for stopping by!
I loved the idea of jotting down 5 miracles. It reminds us of positive things in life and help us to boost our spirits during this tough time.
😊
Thank you for the wonderful tips and yes we shall get over this sooner.
Thank you for stopping by!
Prayers to the affected families. Hope we all sail through this soon.
Yes I hope so too
Prayers are on their way for the family Noor, I wish them speedy recovery, you are so right , sometime it feels to give up on everything, but ultimately we humans are smart enough to hold the grip against all odds, yes this too shall pass, liked your recap pointers to beat the lockdown blues. n yes Newton is one of my fav movie.Thanks for recommendations,
Thank you for stopping by 😊
I am not sure what to expect next…but taking everyday as it is for now…Newton is an amazing movie…we really enjoyed it
Yes it is 😊
Online classes and meetings, online parties and video chats with family and friends, learning new things or picking up old hobbies, everybody in the home pitching in to do the chores is the new normal!!
I have seen quite a few episodes of Narcos. Loved Newton and Never Let me Go.
N is for Noor too and you are acing this challenge 🙂
Thank you Shilpa 🤗
Hi Noor.
I also think that once we are on the other side of this pandemic a number of things will alter, most notable the working from home vs. paying for office space. Education, hopefully, will be more Tech friendly, as all available sources are getting a work out from teachers and families. Book and magazine reading should benefit as more people are turning to books they’ve had around the house or the ease of eBooks.
I have two hopes:
1) With shopping, more people will realize the difference between NEED and WANT.
2) I would love to see a lessening of the ME ME ME attitudes (prevalent here in the US) into finally realizing that the entire globe can become a more humanistic lifestyle. Turn the current attitude into a WE one.
So, N recommendations:
Books: Night, by Ellie Wiesel. This book has become an essential read in High Schools (for the most part). With all the genocides and ethnic “cleansing” that have occurred, or are occurring, have death in common for the people. I think Night transcends beyond the Jewish Holocaust into the rest of the world’s cultures and religions.
Movie: if you like horror, and Zombies, then Night of the Living Dead (1968) is necessary to see the “beginning” transformation of Zombies in media. Not a great movie, but it has its place in film history.
TV: NCIS, with it’s spin-offs: NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: LA. Standard CBS procedurals on Federal Agents in the US stopping the bad guys. The original series started in 2003. New Orleans spin off in 2014, and LA spin off since 2009. Lots of seasons and plenty of episodes to choose from. There is humor mixed into the “danger”; sometimes that one joke comes at an inappropriate time, but they have a formula to maintain.
Stay safe and healthy
Hi Stu, I hope that your two “hopes” expressed here actually come true. I feel largely they will. I also agree on books and written content, whether print or digital.
I’m not into zombie stuff at all, and though I’m familiar with NCIS, never goy round to watching it! Thanks for the recommendations!
Those are great tips. We never realize the true seriousness of the situation until it hits close to home or somewhat close to home. My prayers are with your distant family. I hope they pull through. Thanks for the recommendations. Never Let Me Go” sounds interesting. Take care.
Thank you 🙂
Yeah this pandemic time has also allowed me to start my belly dance classes online. I did not have to time or gutts to start before the lockdown.
That’s great 😊
That’s what I felt like when I first heard about a covid positive case of one of my dad’s friend..and it surely gave me the chills of how close are we to the virus.. But we just can’t give up even before fighting. So doing exactly what you have mentioned in the post.. trying to learn whatever I can in this lockdown
Yes you’re so right- we must make the most of the situation as it is!
Noor you are a master story teller. I enjoyed reading your post and there was this point when j could see the most was going to over and all I wanted was to read more. The new normal has brought me close to reading books these days. Hoping I continue it till the next new normal
Thank you Urvashi 😊
You have mentioned everything in such a detail that i am feeling you have written my mental and emotional state too. Staying positive, gratitude and utilizing this time wisely is very important.
Thank you Ujjwal, glad you liked the post!
Noor, the lockdown period has surely given new ray in horizon to content creators to look for new aspects. Staying positive is the key and we shall all sail through this phase.
Yes I hope so!