Reconnecting Relationships in a Post Pandemic World

“Understand that you own nothing in this world.
Everything surrounding you is only temporary.
Only the love you have in your heart will remain forever.”
-David Avocado Wolfe

What are your relationships like in this Post Pandemic World?

How long has it been since you shared holiday time with your family and friends? When was the last time you went to the theater? Concert? Wedding? Broadway Show? Opera? Ballet? The movies and your favorite restaurant? Traveled by airplane? When was the last time you put on a suit and tie? A cocktail dress? High heel shoes? Make up?

How many times have you worked at your computer in your pajamas? When was the last time you hugged your family and friends? Have you noticed how these losses have affected you?

Sure, there are times when you enjoyed some time in flip flops, yoga pants and shorts. There were even times that staying together 24/7 were opportunities for a deeper connection. Remember when the kids went to school five days a week? When they had afternoon activities and parties to attend? Remember when quiet time was a pleasure? Remember when there was so much to look forward to?

Well, relax! We’re coming back slowly, but surely to the new normal. Hopefully we have learned to re-evaluate our lives and values with the losses we’ve sustained, now, more than a year. Think about all the people we lost and the heartbreaking illness the pandemic has caused. Think about how blessed we are to be alive and well. Imagine a new world that’s cleaner and safer because of the adversity we encountered. Think about the justice we can hopefully look forward to. This brave new world needs us to reflect, to ponder, to adjust and recognize what is important and what is not.

Never before in my lifetime have I lived through such a gauntlet. We are now in the eye of the needle. Our future and relationships depend on our values and beliefs — our deeds and commitments — how we use our time and the future we choose to leave our children and grandchildren. Being an octogenarian, I have learned much. It’s unfortunate that it takes nearly a lifetime to get it! My father used to say, “We get too soon old, and too late smart.” That’s part of the human experience. Life is finite and much like toilet paper. The closer we get to the end of the roll, the faster it seems to go.

Be the best that you can be. Always do the right thing. Be kind, gentle and gracious to everyone. Say hello as you pass strangers and familiar faces. Realize that we all have had hardships in our lifetime and need love now more than ever. Tell your partner and children how much you love them daily. Love is the bridge between you and everything! Believe in yourself, love yourself and learn to trust that if you commit, the universe will cooperate.

IF GOD SHUTS A DOOR, STOP BANGING ON IT!
Trust whatever is behind it is not meant for you.
-Author Unknown

Joan E Childs, LCSW is a renowned psychotherapist, inspirational speaker and author of Do You Hate the One You Love: Strategies For Healing and Saving Your Relationship. In private practice since 1978, she specializes in individual and couple’s therapy, grief therapy, EMDR, NLP, inner child work and codependency. Learn more about her services at www.joanechilds.com.