COVID-19: What’s good about it
Growing up, I loved snowstorms. I was fascinated with how mother nature could change our plans in a matter of hours and there was nothing we could do about it. I think I loved how it all felt like spur-of-the-moment. While COVID-19 is much more complex, terrifying and impactful; like snowstorms, it has changed what we had planned. And with change there’s always some good – so here’s some life lessons or some good that I’ve found in the coronavirus.
1. We are all human. Remember that old school saying, “In the morning, we all put on our pants and shoes the same way.” Now more than ever, I see how true it is. Every single person in the world, no matter how much money you make or how many followers you have on social media are all affected by the coronavirus. We are ALL trying to stay safe and well. Moments like these show me how we are all more connected, than divided.
2. Everything is not a priority. Isn’t it funny how your priorities at work or at home have changed since the coronavirus outbreak? A project that I had been working on tirelessly since September has now been de-prioritized until further notice. While I am secretly happy to have a break from the work, it made me think of my prioritization of work. Or what about the weddings, vacations, entertainment events that have all been canceled. This all made me think, are the things I am spending my time and energy on even important? This reality check hit me in the gut.
3. I can personally cook every meal, every day. Key word in that sentence was “can." Although it feels like one of those unwanted adulting chores, the coronavirus has taught me that I can do it. Think about all the money we are saving by staying at home! How can we make this new normal stick once things settle down?
4. We don’t value essential workers enough. Thank you to the healthcare professionals who are keeping us safe – we are so grateful for you. But I wanted to bring light to another population that we do not always think of as essential workers – grocery store workers. If you would have told me two months ago that Sabrina at my local grocer is an essential worker, I wouldn’t have believed you. And now as an ex-grocery store worker of 10 years, this makes me think even more critically about this population of workers. Thank you times a million to all our grocery store workers who are working tirelessly to order product and stock the shelves with a smile. We appreciate you.
5. Social distancing doesn’t mean isolation. This one right here – rings true more than ever. I did not realize how much I needed to see to people until I could not go anywhere! I’ll admit it, I did not want to show my video during my first virtual work meeting, but once I saw my colleagues I just felt better. Or when I FaceTimed my family for 20 minutes the other day, it made me feel like I was right there with them. It’s easy to fall into the isolation trap, but don’t do it! Add video to your work meetings, FaceTime a friend for a virtual happy hour, most importantly, get some fresh air!
I know many of us agree that this is not how we thought 2020 was going to be but continue to stay safe and to find the good. As the self-proclaimed quote queen, I’ll leave you with one quote:
“We make all these plans about how things will turn out, but life happens, plans change, so we adapt. We draw on strength we didn’t know we had. We give up any illusions of control, and we deal head – on with problems that come our way.”
Until next time jumpstarters, Kirsten
