People Mastodon

I really miss how everything seemed to just... Slow down.

Before, and after, all of America seems to be constantly running the rat race. Everyone is hurrying, pressing, trying to squeeze as much as possible out of everything and everyone around them. Some of this is desperation from people in unfortunate situations trying to survive, but a lot of it is people who have just been convinced that more consumption = more happiness.

During the pandemic, a lot of people just slowed down and seemed to appreciate what they had. Vehicle traffic was significantly reduced, air quality got better. People decided they don't need luxuries. People got more patient with each other and less concerned with instant gratification. Line at the grocery store? Understandable - it's a pandemic. Missed a deadline at work? Understandable, it's a pandemic. Online order takes a couple weeks to arrive? That's alright it's a pandemic. Restaurant closed? That's alright it's a pandemic.

I wish there was a way to curb consumption without all of the related suffering. Millions of people dying, suffering , and left with long-term complications sucked. But the improved air quality, improved traffic and just general sense of chilling the fuck out and understanding that there's more important things in life than the waiter bringing your food 5 minutes later than you wanted was really nice.