Congratulations everyone, you’ve almost made it to the end of the year! As always, during the last few weeks of any year – but especially this one – it’s time for some self-reflection. To get the wheels turning, we asked the Clutch team to noodle on an intentionally big, broad question:

How has the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic Changed you?

This year affected each of us differently, in good ways and in bad, but if we look closely, perhaps a combination of the two. And the responses to our question were a fitting mix of sentiments. Some were funny, some serious. Many were heartwarming and hopeful. All of them were relatable and most importantly – honest.

__________

 

The Pandemic gave me the time to sit down and go after that certification I’ve been thinking about, justification for my overflowing legging & sweatshirt collection and most importantly to appreciate the little things especially during these tough times.

 

COVID has allowed me to slow down. A lot of times, I get caught up in the life of needing to always be doing something (for my family or me) or having FOMO, and you didn’t have that option in the pandemic.

 

Go with the flow, control what I can control, and to be present.

 

Certain circumstances this year have lowered my perception of intelligence and sensibility in our nation.

 

I can no longer assume anything about the state of our nation, its economy, or its people, I can no longer afford complacency or to think that being involved on a political charitable or societal level is ‘someone else’s problem’.

 

I’ve lost a lot of faith in things that perhaps I took for granted before, the news media, and even technology to an extent. 

 

I shower less, eat more, and wear PJ’s 90% of the time.

 

I absolutely love working from home every day. I know a lot of people miss the office, but I enjoy it immensely.

 

I’m more generous. I tip heavily on my grocery deliveries and restaurant take-out.

 

I’m also more judgmental. When I see people not wearing their masks correctly (or not wearing one at all) or when my neighbors decide to throw a party inside, I can’t help but be disappointed at how selfish and irresponsible people can be.

 

I am grateful to have a job that allows me to work from home all day and peacefully coexist 24×7 at home with my best friend.

 

Covid has taught me to never underestimate the selfishness of my fellow man. It is more important to go experience spring break, go to the bar, or have Thanksgiving with family and friends. I get that people want to be social, but that act and compounding that act with the refusal to wear a mask to protect yourself and others just confuses me.

 

I have a new appreciation for patience, temperament, and general self-awareness. Almost everyone feels the same added pressures to everyday life, so it’s important to recognize that in yourself and others. The added stress and resulting impact manifest themselves in different ways with different people. It’s important to be aware and truly listen if you’re going to pick up on these things with your coworkers, friends, and family. 

 

It’s important to replicate or replace everyday activities that we took for granted but provided stress relief. Take a real lunch break, go for a walk, spend some time getting organized, writing, or take time off even when you don’t have plans. I try to remember that self-care isn’t just exercise and hygiene, it’s also mental fortitude and nurturing relationships with people that are important to you.

 

I don’t need to shop nearly as much as I used to think I did, I have enough clothes to last me weeks without doing laundry!

 

I don’t take family visits for granted…enjoy them as you don’t know when they’ll happen again.

 

The pandemic has made me question why many of my fellow Americans have allowed the wearing of masks to become a political issue instead of an act of sacrifice for their fellow countrymen. How my parents that were born into an America recovering from a great depression and about to face a war would be asked to ration supplies and send their children into war and today some Americans refuse to simply wear a cloth around their face to protect each other…This has surprised me and I hope we rediscover that we have much more in common than that which divides us.

 

I realized it is vital to respect everyone’s comfort level no matter what my own opinion is. There is no “wrong” viewpoint, but we all need to respect each other’s comfort level on things like Masks, outings, visiting, etc.

 

One interesting way COVID has changed me is that it really forced me to dive into cooking more. I was always someone who liked to cook, but stayed very consistent with the recipes I knew how to make, and did not venture too far off of that.  Being home allowed me to experiment more, especially with some slow cooker recipes, as well as incorporate an Air Fryer and a Pressure Cooker into what I normally use on a day to day basis.  I have enjoyed trying new ingredients and venturing outside of the popular dinner norms that use chicken/beef as the main ingredient.

 

I’ve realized what is really important.  At the beginning of the pandemic all of my college aged children came home as they were sent home and we had family dinner every night. 3 college students literally all over the world and my oldest one going off to start her new life, no way, it was a tremendous gift that we got.  I think it really brought us closer together as a family and made me realize how important it is to be present in those times and moments.  Life changes constantly and while we think we are in situations that last a long time, like our current job, school, location, or stage in life, they all are fleeting.

 

I really have a new perspective on enjoying the moment that I am in and being ok with the fact that it won’t last forever – just like this crazy a$$ pandemic and the year 2020:)

 

Well said! Thank you, Clutch team for your honest and thoughtful answers. They’ve given us all something to think about. We hope you all find time to look at the past year and take away something good that will enrich your life in the coming year. 

____

We’d also like to acknowledge the hardship faced by so many this year. To everyone who has lost a loved one, to those who are struggling financially, who have lost opportunities, missed experiences, to those dealing with loneliness, depression, mental illness, or any other challenge that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, we offer our sincere condolences and support.