The COVID-19 pandemic feels like a surreal chapter of historyone so extraordinary that future generations might struggle to believe it when we recount the lockdowns, mandatory masks, and rushed vaccines. It was a global nightmare that claimed millions of lives while funneling billions into the pockets of a select few. Reflecting on this dark period, I’ve distilled some hard-earned lessons, both cautionary and constructive, that continue to shape my perspective. On the flip side, the pandemic taught me habits worth keeping: The COVID-19 era was a crucible, revealing both humanity’s flaws and its capacity for adaptation. These lessons, born from chaos, are my guideposts for a wiser, more discerning future.