Wow! We’ve certainly had an interesting last few months. 2020 got off to a rough start with the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that resulted in significant job loss and a corresponding drop in the stock market. Now we are dealing with how to respond to a national outcry for equality. I’m wondering how all of this chaos and bedlam will affect our lives going forward?
Some say our response to these ordeals will create a “new normal” in our daily living. And while these occurrences may create a new response to how we live our day-to-day life, I want to encourage you to remember that only you are in control of how you will personally react.
I am not a fan of the use of the term “new normal.” If you haven’t already, you will begin to see this phrase used more often in articles, blogs, and from the talking heads on TV. I believe it is (already) an overused expression and calls for an individual to settle when to comes to their current situation. I believe it creates the idea of a reality and response that is not of my choosing but of someone else’s. It encourages everyone to take an, “Oh well, I guess this is the way it is going to be from now on” attitude.
One specific example that comes to my mind is the shelter at home orders. As we start to reopen our economy and country, how will you respond? Will you begin to venture out and gather with friends and family you may not have seen in a while, possibly congregating on a patio or porch? Or will you brave a trip to your local restaurant for some outdoor dining? Perhaps you are more prone to stay at home and socialize from a distance for now and will continue having your groceries delivered. There is no right or wrong way to approach your reaction.
What I want to encourage you to consider is that it’s your decision. Don’t settle for the “new normal” as the way it is going to be for everyone from now on. You decide your lifestyle response for the future. It won’t be the same for everyone. If you happen to be in one of the higher risk groups, you may choose to be more cautious in how you tackle your reintroduction to the world. If you are an extrovert, you can’t wait to get out into the world and high five people again or, maybe elbow bump instead. It’s your choice.
As you consider your situation, what are the lessons you learned from the pandemic that you’ll draw on to develop our future life? There are some we shouldn’t forget. Here are a few that come to mind for me and from talking with friends.
• Zoom is a great way to stay connected to those out of state friends and relatives.
• The act of cooking new recipes at home and sitting around the table to enjoy together was a lost art rediscovered.
• That exercising daily isn’t as difficult as first thought.
• The physical act of picking up a book and reading is enjoyable again.
• That while it was painful, I can actually live without baseball.
What did you discover or rediscover about yourself? Email me and let me know. I’d enjoy hearing from you.
In time I have a feeling we are going to figure out what is really important to us. That relationships mean more than your next exotic vacation or new car. That the simple act of sitting with friends and conversing over a glass of wine or a beer provides greater satisfaction, interest, and enjoyment.
Journalist Lisa Oliver Monroe in her article How to Make the Next 10 Years Your Best—Whether You’re 25, 50, or 75+ stated, “…but if we can find what makes us happy, we still can make changes in our habits that make us feel good.” The current political and cultural environment gives us the opportunity to reflect and ponder. To consider, what’s the next act for my life going to include?
Enjoy your journey!
Gary A. Weuve, CFP®
Founder and CEO
2NDACTLIVES, LLC
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