Just a Bad Dream - The Global Pandemic of 2020

"Do you reckon I'll get into trouble if I eat this yoghurt at my desk?" As my work colleagues and I are aware of the designated eating areas of the office, and that our desks are not one of those areas, I asked for their opinion. More so, their approval. After confirming that I would not be committing a crime, I enjoyed my yoghurt.

This seemingly simple conversation seed grew into something far deeper. And, far darker. We touched upon the concepts of hot desking and hybrid working. Unravelling layer by layer until we reached the core of the topic. The global pandemic of 2020.

Our lives may appear to have returned to their original state before that very year. Now that we can once again hold each other. Now that we can dance together and eat together. The year seems but a bump in the road. A blip. A bad dream. Though, this period was none of these things. It was a tunnel. We walked through the streets of our lives as we did every day and took a wrong turn. Walking, walking, walking. Running at times. And, standing still. Unable to escape until it was time.

Eventually, when it was time, we left the tunnel - but it did not leave us. Grains of debris and dirt, stuck to us as we emerged into the light. All of the things we have chosen to ignore and have not yet processed.

Engaging in this unexpected conversation with my co-workers, I felt on the verge of a panic attack. Holding my composure and my hands still, I attempted to swim through the tsunami of trauma that flooded my mind. I believe a time of my life was so painful that it numbed my recollection of it. Perhaps as a force of protection. Or, denial.

There is not quite a resolution to this article. Only - I deduce we, as a species, have collectively experienced trauma and loss. Loss of lives, including our own. "There were no winners." My colleague contributed. Regardless of individual circumstances, we struggled. Despite this truth, we can no longer dismiss the struggle we faced. We must face the struggle. Yes, we made it through the tunnel. But, there will be more. And, we can only proceed through them if we have truly passed the one prior.