Summary

The article discusses how the pandemic has led individuals to adopt new habits, such as wearing gloves while pumping gas and daily flossing, which they intend to continue post-pandemic.

Abstract

The pandemic has unexpectedly prompted many people to form new, beneficial habits that they plan to maintain even after the health crisis has ended. The author reflects on their own experience of begrudgingly transitioning to self-service gas stations and finding a solution in wearing disposable gloves. This personal anecdote serves as a segue into sharing various habits adopted by others during the pandemic, as revealed through a Quora question. Responses range from consistent teeth flossing and hand sanitizing to rekindling passions like singing and building Lego worlds. The article also touches on the author's personal life, including their novel about forgiveness and reconciliation, and invites readers to connect for weekly inspirational messages.

Opinions

The author admits a personal dislike for pumping gas due to the smell and dirt associated with it.
Wearing disposable gloves while pumping gas is a habit the author intends to keep.
Various Quora respondents shared positive habits they picked up during the pandemic, such as flossing, hand sanitizing, singing, and building Lego worlds.
The author expresses interest in the diverse ways people have adapted their routines due to the pandemic.
Some individuals, like one quoted in the article, did not experience a significant change in their daily lives as a result of the pandemic.
The author views their writing career as a fulfilling choice, akin to a calling, despite earlier

Life Lessons | Pandemic

What Did You Start Doing During the Pandemic that You’ll Continue After It’s Over?

Many have developed new habits. Will they stick?

I remember full-service gas stations.

When I learned to drive, there was no such thing as self-service gas. You pulled up to the pump, someone came out, fueled your car, washed your windshield, and checked your oil.

I resisted the transition to self-service as long as I could, even paying more for full-service when it was available.

I used to say that I was morally opposed to self-service gas stations. That was my way of joking about something I didn’t like.

I still don’t like pumping gas. I don’t like getting the smell of gasoline on my hands.

What does that have to do with the pandemic of 2020?

The pandemic has taught me how easy it is to carry disposable gloves in your car, put them on to pump gas, and discard them before getting back into the car. No germs, no dirt, no gasoline smell.

I’ll keep wearing gloves when I fuel my car long after the concern about Covid19 has faded into memory.

What have you started doing during the pandemic that you didn’t do before but that you will continue to do after the pandemic is over?

When I asked that question on Quora, I got some interesting answers, including:

I started flossing [my teeth] every single day.

I’m sure his dentist will be pleased.

Hand sanitizing.

A good hygiene habit.

I started singing again … I will keep on enjoying this activity/talent after the pandemic ends.

That’s awesome.

Building elaborate Lego worlds.

Love that!

Wearing a mask.

Interesting.

Nothing has changed about my life [so] there is nothing different to continue.

Thanks for sharing.

How about you? What have you started doing during the pandemic that you didn’t do before but that you will continue to do after the pandemic is over?

Thanks for reading. You might also enjoy:

My New Normal is Not Much Different Than My Old Normal

We got a new dog right before the stay-at-home order was issued

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To be Impressive, Don’t Try to Impress

Just say what you mean, simply and clearly

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Here’s a little more about me:

I Couldn’t be an Elephant, so I Became a Writer

When you love what you do, it’s still work — but it’s awesome work!

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My novel, Choices, is a story of forgiveness and reconciliation.

What choice would you make? — Create! Teach! Inspire!

It only takes a moment and one wrong choice for lives to change forever. Jacquelyn Lynn’s debut novel, Choices, is now…

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I’d love to connect with you! May I send a brief inspirational message every Saturday morning? Visit CreateTeachInspire.com/saturday to receive messages like these:

Photos by Jerry D. Clement; text added by Jacquelyn Lynn