There are many terrible, terrible things about COVID-19, and we’re all aware of them. Everyone has a unique experience, of course.  Some have lost loved ones, others are essential, low-wage workers who face higher risks while also trying to homeschool three kids. Among the various hardships, though, most of us have likely experienced a silver lining or two. I’m counting five good things that have come about as a result of living through this global pandemic from my perspective.

I’ve been on a gratitude kick for the last few years. Every January 1, Steve and I empty a repurposed pickle jar filled with paper scraps on which we’ve jotted down an assortment of “good things” that we were grateful for throughout the year. When COVID-19 hit, I did not turn the lid of that jar to add another item for several weeks. But as the shock of being suddenly grounded at home and cut off from the world started to subside, I was able to recognize that gratitude really is a state of mind. There is ALWAYS something to appreciate.

5 Unexpected Good Things About the Global Pandemic

#1 I have a renewed love of my hometown of Winnipeg

The Peg is the kind of place that inspires tremendous affection and loyalty among its citizens because it’s a quirky place that consistently punches above its weight. This mid-sized prairie city can also drive us to rant about any number of things, such as -30C winter temperatures, vast summer roadwork construction, and a stubborn mindset among a core constituency against progressive ideas, to name a few.

Steve and I love Winnipeg, but to be honest, we’re not here that much. Just before the pandemic brought the world to a halt, we were in Mexico City working remotely for a month. We were scheduled to spend a couple of weeks in the UK for Steve’s work in May, followed by a cycling vacation in Sicily. In June, there was a week in Boston, and in July, Steve was speaking at a conference in Brazil, and I planned to tag along. Of course, none of that happened. We won’t be leaving Manitoba for some time to come.

The pandemic, though, brought a new perspective on my hometown, including:

  • For once, the fact that Winnipeg has a lack of density because its population is so spread out has worked in our favour. Physical distancing is easy!
  • Our public health leadership is rock solid. Through steady vigilance (and no doubt a bit of luck), Winnipeg has one of the lowest COVID-19 case counts around. At the time of writing this post, we’ve had only 5 new cases in July. Yay!
  • Compared with some other cities, Peggers have adhered to physical distancing measures well. There hasn’t been any of the drama around masks or hand sanitizer use we’ve seen in other centres.

#2 People are waking up to social and environmental issues

I love that the pandemic has people seeking out alternative modes of transportation. Streets have opened up to pedestrians and cyclists with limits on car traffic, and many people have developed a love of nature because getting out for a walk or forest hike was the only alternative to being at home. Bicycle shops cannot keep up with demand. This bodes well for more protected cycling lanes and less commuting by vehicle.

In many crowded cities with high industrial and vehicle emissions, the pandemic restrictions brought with it cleaner air and visible skies. Although it hasn’t solved our climate change problems, I can’t help think that now that folks see the improved quality of life resulting from cleaner air, they will care more about finding solutions.

Suddenly, cycling is a major form of fun and a safe way to commute.

The social inequalities COVID-19 brought to light alongside the ample time we’ve had on hand to consume information, created the conditions that brought the world together to protest these long-simmering racial disparities. Many believe that the pandemic was instrumental in the surge of global protests after the horrific death of George Floyd. It truly feels like the Black Lives Matter movement has the momentum required to make real systemic change to benefit all racialized people.  

#3 Connecting with others doesn’t have to include shaking hands or hugging

Frequent readers know that I’m on the introverted side. I’ve also always been somewhat skittish about sharing germs and getting physically close to people. I’m not saying that’s healthy, and in fact, I have been working on my aversion to hugging loved ones over the past few years. Now, though! Now, I don’t have to touch anyone, and the hand wave in place of a handshake I believe is not going anywhere soon. 

I’m maybe not too proud that physical distancing has a silver lining for me, but that’s how it is.

#4 The creativity COVID-19 has inspired is remarkable

I can’t believe how quickly artists, teachers, musicians, public institutions, and small businesses adapted to the crazy reality of a pandemic. Those who manufactured gin turned to hand sanitizer, restaurants and their suppliers turned to grocery delivery, and festivals moved some of their programming online. 

Particularly inspiring were the many ways high schools made graduations special. One high school in a nearby town filmed each graduate accepting their diploma in a private ceremony and then stitched all of those events together, to share with the whole class at a drive-in theatre.

I’ve also so enjoyed the many hilarious COVID memes on social media. When times are tough, we all need a laugh or two to get us through.

#5 A Laser focus on what’s important 

So cliche but so true — you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. During these past four months, I didn’t care about our cancelled travel plans or being grounded in our condo. What I did care about was that those close to me were doing ok. I’m not always the best at reaching out to people (introvert here), but the pandemic urged me to. I think those relationships are a bit stronger because of it.

Now that things have started to open up again in Winnipeg, everything seems sweeter. Sitting on a restaurant patio, walking into my favourite local shops, and visiting with a few guests on my rooftop deck for a physically distant cocktail all seemed like a gift from the heavens.

This pandemic will inevitably alter our lives for years to come. Traditions and practices will change because of it. I’m hopeful that along with the things we’ll lose because of COVID-19, some unexpected good things will remain.

Is there anything you’ve enjoyed as the result of things changing because of the pandemic? Share your thoughts in a comment.

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