It's Been Five Years Since COVID-19: What Have We Learned?
Future Rise Newsletter #9
Five years ago the world suddenly stopped! And in that stillness,
something remarkable happened. We didn't just survive a global shock.
We evolved. Here are five surprising and uplifting lessons we've carried
forward:
01 | Time is Flexible
We discovered that time isn't fixed, but that it's structured
around systems we can redesign. "Blursday" became a
thing because we broke the 9-to-5 spell. Guilt around rest
started to unwind. We remembered that time should work
for us, not the other way around.
02 | Connection is Currency
When we were pulled apart, we realized how much we
need each other, not just for productivity but for presence.
Deep chats, silent companionship, even shared boredom.
Human connection became sacred again.
03 | Work Became Non-Geographic
Zoom wasn't just a tool; it was a portal. We proved we can
build, lead, and earn from anywhere. The commute became
a choice. Location stopped defining success. Online work,
and events expanded our horizons, and opportunities.
04 | The Rise of Third Cities
We traded big-city burnout for balanced living. Nature-rich
cities with international access became the sweet spot for
space to think, breathe, and live without giving up
ambition.
05 | Nature is Non-Negotiable
Pets grounded us. Trees healed us. Being outdoors wasn't a
luxury, it was medicine. The world reminded us that we're
not machines. But that we're living systems that thrive with
rhythm and connection.
"The future wasn't a return to 'normal'. It was an
opportunity for us to intentionally reimagine,
redesign, and rebuild our realities."
John Sanei
Actionable Insights
• What's your main takeaway from your lockdown experience?
• How are you applying it today?
Share it with me at hello@johnsanei.com
Video Resource
Face the COVID reset: Embrace the unknown!
Some insights that still apply today.
And a lockdown haircut!
Watch Now
Until next time, let's keep redesigning the now, and the
future...