Back in April of 2020, I can recall feeling very proud of myself for using the word “unprecedented,” referring to the pandemic that had burst onto the scene.  It was not more than 24 hours before I realized that this was the “word of the day” to help emphasize the extreme level of concern related to the pandemic.  I do not recall ever using this word before in my lifetime.  If I had, I am sure I would have been impressed with myself.  But now in the midst of pandemic recovery, I believe the word has lost some of its bravado due to overuse.

I am currently looking for a new word which implies, “a catastrophic storm that induces positive outcomes.”  It would be the perfect word to explain why I no longer become frustrated with many of the small things.  Here is an example use of the word: “Because of  _ _ _ _ _  (insert new word) , I seem to approach this issue with a greater sense of patience and understanding.” 

My biggest question here – Why does it take a catastrophic unprecedented event to help me to remember to be human?