The Shift I Never Asked For (But Definitely Needed)

Daily writing prompt

How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?

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Remember March 2020? The two-week lockdown that morphed into a lifestyle-altering cultural freeze? We all woke up in a world that suddenly moved at half-speed—and for the first time in my adult life, I was forced to sit still.

And not just metaphorically.
I got sick. Really sick. And while I don’t talk about all of that publicly, I will say: that season broke me open in a way that nothing else could have. The quiet wasn’t optional. It was survival.

But that quiet also gave me something unexpected: Voguegenics.

In between managing symptoms and reflecting on everything the world was suddenly reevaluating—purpose, identity, health, time—I started blogging. Not with the structure and intention you see today, but enough to plant the seed. A name. A vibe. A vision that would later grow into an entire platform dedicated to self-care, confidence, and cultural reset.

When the Noise Stopped, I Could Finally Hear Myself Think

Before the pandemic, I couldn’t tell you the last time I sat in silence without a screen, a task list, or a guilt trip whispering that I should be doing something “more productive.” We lived in a 24/7 society—stores never closed, emails never stopped, and burnout was worn like a badge of honor.

But then the world hit pause.

And in that stillness, I noticed something:
We started going outside again.
We stopped making small talk we didn’t mean.
We started baking bread. (Sourdough, I see you.)

And while I didn’t join the great flour-fueled frenzy, I did something even more nourishing—I slowed all the way down. And I realized…I liked it.

The Culture Shift That Gave Us Our Humanity Back

I know not everything post-pandemic has been sunshine and sourdough. But I do believe this:
The world was too big for its britches.

We were living in constant acceleration, chasing youth, status, and speed like we were in a race we didn’t remember entering. I long for the kind of everyday peace my mother spoke of—front porches, small-town rhythms, family dinners that didn’t involve DoorDash. And while we can’t turn back the clock, I do think we cracked open something important: the desire for slower, more soulful living.

Now, remote work is normal. Late-night retail runs are rare. People aren’t going out every weekend like it’s a contest. And I think we’re better for it. There’s more time for introspection, more space for intentional living—more room for glow-ups that actually glow from within.

The Aftermath of Stillness

The pandemic didn’t just change how I lived—it changed how I saw myself. And that’s the real reason Voguegenics exists. To help others find that same shift. That moment where you stop trying to be everything for everyone and finally become something true for yourself.

Since then, I’ve launched:

• The Voguegenics Method — a 30-day glow-up guide for mind, body, and style
• V’Empower Coaching — for women ready to reclaim wellness and boundaries
• The Gen V Podcast — where we talk about everything from identity to self-care and aging with power
• And a growing library of reflective tools like The Hustle Detox Journal and The Cancer Warrior Journal Bundle

I even created a recipes section and an evolving archive of tagged recipes—because joy should taste good, too.

Stillness Was the Real Wake-Up Call

If the past few years taught me anything, it’s that “normal” wasn’t working for a lot of us. And maybe this reset—though brutal and uninvited—was also overdue.

You don’t have to go back to who you were before.
You don’t have to chase the same things.
You don’t have to run yourself ragged to prove you’re doing life right.

You just have to live it. Fully. Consciously.
And maybe, with a little bit of soul.

👉 Want to reflect on your own pandemic shift?

Let’s talk about it in the Voguegenics community on X, or tag me on Threads @voguegenics. You’re not alone in this cultural slow-down—and honestly, we were overdue for a reset.

✨ To explore more of our world—including podcasts, freebies, and all our socials—visit Voguegenics.bio.

#PandemicReflections #SlowLiving #CovidCulture #Voguegenics #GlowUpStory #SelfCareJourney

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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