May you live in interesting times, an old Chinese curse says. Times when it is wise not gather in groups anymore, to go out as little as possible, to wash our hands regularly, to cleanse everything around us.
Of course, when our life changes or is threatened, we get scared or we deny everything, maybe to the point of taking everything as a joke. However, we can think more rationally and do everything according to a plan, step by step. It is understandable to panic. Some companies suspend their activity, some people are left without a job, we have to work from home – although many wanted this, now, when they ‘have to’, it seems to have suddenly lost its appeal. In 2009 there was an economic downturn and it was a painful crisis for many companies. However, back then the individual’s life was not at risk; companies were in danger, and the individuals would have been next.
What I learned then:
We should concentrate on learning
In a period of chaos, of economic slowdown, when we do not have much to do, we should read, we should attend some courses. This is the best time, when we are not stressed by emails, by meetings, by bosses who urgently want something from us.
We should stop, reflect, and put our oxygen mask on
Who is the most important person in our life? I know what you will say: kids, family, friends. However, if I am sick, I will not be able to support those dear to me. Therefore, I will first put my oxygen mask on, then I will take care of my loved ones and make sure they are safe.
We should not isolate ourselves completely
Of course, we cannot go out into the world, we cannot see our friends, colleagues. But there are digital options. We can connect on so many platforms and talk, see each other, we can create online groups. We are more privileged that those who had to go through similar situations before the internet.
We should learn that the best investment we can make is in ourselves
What does this mean? If we are going to be home a great deal, we might as well reflect upon what we want to do in the long run. What makes us happy, what gives us energy, what drains our energy. The time spent in traffic jams, in meetings, can be used to visualize ourselves into the future. I know, it is a difficult exercise to do alone. I would suggest a coach / mentor, an experienced person who has been through ups and downs and has the education for such an endeavor. I would say that it doesn’t hurt to be selective, after all, it is better to equip our spirit with the best teachings, isn’t it?
We should be selective when it comes to the people we keep in touch with
It’s great if we have people around who pay very close attention to detail, who care, but also those who can give us alternatives, ideas, metaphors, they can tell us a story about how others managed during situations of crisis. We will filter the information – but it is good to have several perspectives.
After all, we can only go forward, step by step, take good care of ourselves, be rational as much as possible and reinvent ourselves in this new reality, hoping that the sun will soon shine on all the streets in the world.
