I’ve been mulling over this question: what’s the new normal? Everything I read or listen to seems to be related to staying at home, avoiding contact with others, quarantining ourselves, and trying to not get sick. It’s difficult to think about other things. However, we just learned that killer wasps have entered the country and the coming hurricane season is predicted to be a rough one. Wow, it’s hard to know what to think or do these days. It’s overwhelming.
Marketing
Have you noticed that commercials have all gone to this sentimental but serious tone as they try to sell you a new car or new windows for your house? It would almost be funny if it weren’t so sad. We’re here for you and we’ll help you buy replacement windows.
On the other hand, I saw that Kia has donated $1 million to help homeless youth. Since that demographic is not in the market to buy a new car, I applaud them for their generosity. That speaks more to me about their intentions of being there for us than a commercial telling me I can buy a new car from people who care.
Returning to Nature
Today I went for a run. It was a beautiful spring day with blue skies and warm temperature. Hoping to enjoy the gorgeous weather, I went to part of the local bike and hike trail that I expected to be less crowded. That ended up being accurate though there were a lot of bicyclists out. It was good to be able to be outside and not have to think about the news. Of course, there were those moments of passing people or having bikes pass me. Some people wore masks and others did not. What I realized is that even being outside and trying to just enjoy nature, it was impossible to forget what we’re dealing with.
What’s the New Normal?
I’m not sure that I have a real point here. It seems that businesses are trying to figure out how to market to us during a pandemic without seeming to be too crass and we’re all trying to figure out how to live our lives without too much difficulty. I’m not sure if this will ever become the “new normal” so that we don’t even think about passing people who either are or aren’t wearing masks.
What I do know is that we need some things to occupy our minds besides viruses, wasps, hurricanes, and crime. Any suggestions? I’m open for new ideas. It would be even better if the new thing was not increasing our worries.