VISION FOR A NEW NORMAL LIFE: COPING WITH CHANGE

Change is never easy sometimes. To cope with sudden and gradual change takes time
yet each people strive to live with what’s new. In a time of COVID-19, the normalcy of lives
then is now redirected to something new. Living expenses are new, work and class spaces are
new, communication and relationships are new, routine patterns are new, priorities are new–
everything changed as the world traverses into the new normal. However, what must one know
and how does one envision the new normal life as? Can all of the people cope and live in this
new normal with ease? Could there be a divided that poses a huge problem? How will the youth
see and deal with the new normal?
In the new normal lifestyle, distancing becomes an important aspect of living. Each
individual polices themselves and others to create a distance among each other as a means for
health and safety. Which is why businesses, work establishments, education system,
transportation and much more ensures the importance of everyone’s well-being, of preventing
the possible spread of the virus. These are exemplified through queuing as the new normal; the
new school year shifting to distance and/or flexible learning; the work-from-home schemes for
employees, and; the online business transactions with customers. Aside from distance, the use of
social media and technology becomes prevalent. With less face-to-face interactions with
relatives, friends, school, and work, staying connected is possible through online messaging and
video conferencing. In addition, being informed of the news surrounding the world is available
online. Especially with the abrupt shutdown of the ABS-CBN franchise during these times, some
households only have access of news through this channel which makes it a point to shift to other
technology and medium (e.g. radio, social media) to be informed.
This new normal also has a negative spectrum. According to a headline from Rappler,
unemployment in the Philippines is at its highest in April with 7.3 million Filipinos jobless.
Household budget and income can hinder some families from prioritizing needs or afford their
needs. Along this posed problem there is increase of products and service, further placing a clear
definite line between the rich and the poor. Poverty and joblessness becomes the more evident as
we progress to a new normal.
The new normal will never be the same for each individual and/or group. Some may
manage well and others may scavenge through problems living with change. The new normal
envisions the importance of staying prioritized, staying connected, staying informed, staying
aware, and staying safe and healthy. It challenges the youth with possible plans that can help the
community they live in through various ways– prioritizing their physical and mental well-being;
connecting with family, friends, and those in need; informing themselves of the events taking
place; wearing protective measures, policing each other to follow protocols; becoming a voice
for those who are marginalized and voices unheard to, and; fighting for their rights and being a
leader that can cope through changes, achieving greater things.
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QUAILEX KWIA D. BALLAIS