The Pandemic Connection

I don’t know about you, but I gained insight about myself during the pandemic. I learned I need regular in-person contact with others—and that surprised me. As a 51% introvert, 49% extrovert, I thought my entertaining husband, lively yellow lab, and interactions at work would be adequate. And for a while, they were.

When the pandemic hit California in March 2020, I was so busy working in crisis communications for schools I didn’t have time to realize I missed people. But as it wore on, I recognized I missed my in-person gatherings, from volunteering to support groups and even talking to the people I frequently sat next to at a spin bike at the gym.

But one gift of the pandemic was that we discovered new ways to connect. And while the constant Zooming was a drag, it provided a means to interact. When I acknowledged how the pandemic was affecting my mood, I became more intentional about my activities to support the 49% extrovert side of me that was longing for connection.

My college roommates and I chatted for hours on Zoom. I tried a vegan coaching program for diabetics and took part in the NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) Family to Family course. My husband and I watched the Gottman Institute program (highly recommend!) and attended an Enneagram workshop. (Fun fact: I am Type 1. He’s a Type 9.) When the vegan thing didn’t work out, I signed up for a diabetes and disordered eating support group and did chair workouts while recovering from my foot surgeries.

But my favorite online connection has been with the individuals I met through the Hay House Writer’s Workshop and the accountability group I started with a few of those members. Nearly every Saturday morning in May and June, we gathered to talk about the elements of our book proposals. Although we were essentially competing for a publishing package, it never felt competitive. Instead, it was a tremendously supportive time to ask for input and feedback.

I initially thought it would be a short-term group since our proposals were due June 30. But we have grown close and enjoy the opportunity to talk with other writers, so we continue to meet.

One woman lives in Scotland and is creating a fiction series for youth living in domestic abuse situations. I’m reading the first one, now, and can see how important it is for young people to have this outlet. I love her compassion and pure heart. Check out her first book here.

My friend in Texas, Dianne, teaches people how to release their fear of public speaking—a fear that affects 74% of the population. A former actress, Dianne overcame her fear of stepping on stage as herself and is now passionate about helping others. I love her encouragement and bright smile when we meet.

Karen, who lives in Florida, is writing Peter Crane Mountain Goat, the story of one mountain goat’s journey to overcome adversity and lead his herd to a new home, ensuring their survival. Her first book, Struck by Reality: A Journey of Awakening, details her experience of being struck by lightning and her spiritual experiences before and after. She is quite a survivor.

Anita is from Canada and is writing about how to create sustainable and transformative changes for a meaningful life using energy. She is amazing, and I can’t wait to see where she lands as she delves further into the process. She has so much wisdom to share.

Finally, Jane is from the Isle of Man, a British self-governing colony. (I had to look it up because I am geographically challenged.) She’s writing a memoir through the lens of the endurance walks in which she takes part, and I can’t wait to read it.

Without the pandemic, I would have never found these ladies. We live thousands of miles apart and write in different genres, but I am truly grateful for these new friends. I value their input and feedback, and I love our Saturday morning chats.

How did you find community during the pandemic? As the restrictions have lifted, do you find your ways of connecting have reverted to pre-pandemic ways, or have they changed? I’d love to hear from you.