I asked ’90s, “In what way(s), big or small, has the pandemic changed you (or your outlook, or your habits, or your values, or your self-knowledge, etc.) forever?” Here is Part II of your answers. Deborah Cornavaca writes: “Working in state government throughout the pandemic, it has solidified my conviction to lead with empathy.” Scott Spring says: “Somebody said the pandemic is destined to turn each of us into ‘a hunk, a chunk, or a drunk.’ If I’m honest, I’ve been moderating between all three of these. One habit that’s been great for my mental and physical health is my daily GOOTH (get out of the house) for a 60-90-minute walk.” Christine Smith writes: “The downside: I have a permanent fear of opening my laptop to bad news, my wine habit is well over the CDC guidelines, and I’ve developed a much-lower threshold for tearful breakdowns. On the other hand, I’ve realized that I’m more determined to pursue my goals, virus be damned. Case in point: Early last March we were offered an opportunity to buy the house next door before it went on the market. We live on a lake and had always dreamed of expanding. I remember thinking that I wasn’t going to let some stinkin’ virus get in the way of our family’s hopes and plans. I channel this feeling now whenever I’m feeling blocked or overwhelmed by Covid-19.” Lauren (Waller) Smith writes: “I think the pandemic will cause me to be much more cautious about adding either things or people to my life. This has actually been a kind of nice time because I’ve spent it with the person I love most in a serene space without a lot of clutter. It really would have sucked to spend this much time surrounded by things or people (or both) that I didn’t enjoy.” Carrie Connelly writes: “Covid-19 has reminded me how much I prefer hosting one couple or a person, rather than an entire mob. In the future I’m going to try to stick with hosting intimate but more frequent dinners, where conversations have a beginning, a middle, and an end (and I hope at least some of those dinners will be indoors, and not all by the fire pit). Oh, and yoga—that’s been a healthy, calming addition to my workouts.” Mike Kennealy writes: “Here in Massachusetts I serve in Gov. Charlie Baker’s cabinet as the secretary of housing and economic development. Two conclusions that will always stay with me: the ability of so many actors (state government, local government, the healthcare system, the business community, non-profits, etc.) to mobilize and work together was inspiring to see and continues to this day; and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on communities of color means that the pandemic has exposed serious inequities across our society in housing, healthcare, economic opportunity, and other areas. We have a lot of work to do.” Dana Weintraub writes: “I got a new job, engaging young girls from underserved neighborhoods and kids with disabilities with sports! Check it out: www.bawsi.org.”

—Rob Crawford, 22 Black Oak Road, Weston, MA 02493; crawdaddy37@gmail.com