5 Truths Revealed by the Global Pandemic: A Journey Through Trauma, Recovery, and Growth

Editor’s Note – A Timely Reflection

As I revisited this piece, I was struck by how quickly we’ve moved on—and how easily we’ve forgotten the lessons of the pandemic. In a world rushing to “return to normal,” pausing to reflect feels not only timely, but essential. Sometimes, to move forward with clarity and purpose, we have to look back with honesty. These truths still resonate, and perhaps now more than ever, they need to be heard again.

Originally by Jason Chugh | February 2, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic hit like a freight train—sudden, overwhelming, and impossible to ignore. As it unfolded, I was unprepared for how deeply it would shake me. It forced a pause, not just in business or routines, but in the very identity I had built over decades. From stepping back after 20 years as a swim coach to having to shut down our swimming equipment business, I was left to confront years of buried trauma, unresolved behaviours, and painful truths.

In that stillness, I learned to reflect, and what emerged were five enduring truths that many of us can relate to.

1. It's OK Not to Be OK

We’re conditioned to bottle pain and present a polished exterior. But the pandemic cracked those facades. I learned that our value doesn’t come from productivity or income—but from how we enrich the lives of those around us. Through personal lows, I leaned on friends and family, finally realizing that asking for help is not weakness—it’s growth.

2. Lead with Courage, Not Fear

Everywhere we turned, fear dominated the narrative. But courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s action in the face of it. Whether supporting your community, running a business or managing a team, real leadership today means having the guts to be vulnerable, compassionate, and open to feedback—even from your rivals. As Simon Sinek says, seek your “worthy rivals”—they make you better.

3. Be Present: Observe Without Filters

We rush through life, letting algorithms and soundbites shape our views. But the pandemic gave us a rare gift: time. And with time came the ability to see and think critically. I realized how history has been weaponized to control thought, from racial constructs to polarizing politics. If we slow down and truly observe, we reclaim our ability to choose our own truths. The term "Woke: is the new Right vs Left.

4. Blind Optimism Can Be Harmful—Balance It With Realism

Enter: The Stockdale Paradox. During adversity, ungrounded optimism can break us. Real resilience comes from faith paired with brutal honesty. I learned to say, “We’ll get through this”—but not to pretend I knew when. This mindset shift helped me persevere, both personally and professionally.

5. People Are Good—But Fear Clouds Judgment

Polarizing rhetoric thrives on fear. But one-on-one, people are kind and thoughtful. I watched as Canada’s trucker protests sparked questions about equality and privilege, revealing how fear shapes response. If we truly listen—even when we disagree—we begin to break the cycles of manipulation and division. We don’t need to “pick a side.” We need to understand each other.

Final Reflection

COVID won’t be the last crisis. But if we remain open to learning, we can shed old habits, evolve our communities, and grow stronger together. Whether you're rebuilding a business, leading a team, or guiding swimming lessons for kids, remember: you are not alone—and it’s okay to grow slowly, truthfully, and imperfectly.