The current Covid-19 pandemic has forcefully come to the forefront of the nation鈥檚 psyche in relatively little time, rapidly鈥攁nd radically鈥攁ltering the rhythm of our lives. In less than two weeks, our work, school, and social schedules have been turned upside-down. Terms that were unheard of such as 鈥渟ocial distancing鈥� and 鈥渟helter in place鈥� are now on everyone鈥檚 lips. Many of us are now living with the reality of remote work and school. My office鈥檚 function has now moved entirely to an online format. Everyone is making significant adjustments.
I believe it鈥檚 time for us take a look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we鈥檙e doing to help or hinder the cause. Very plainly, we have a responsibility to follow the directives put forth by government and medical authorities. As quickly as we鈥檇 like for this emergency to pass, it appears it will be鈥攁t the very least鈥攕everal weeks before we have a better grasp of the situation we鈥檙e up against. Let鈥檚 make sure we鈥檙e doing our part to see the virus鈥� threat pass as quickly as possible. This is an unprecedented crisis event. We鈥檙e in it together.
From the simplest measures (washing our hands frequently) to the more restrictive ones (avoiding larger groups of people), it鈥檚 a time for us to practice responsible citizenship. We can significantly lessen the risk of contagion with these behavior modifications鈥攏ot only for our own wellbeing but, especially, for the protection of those most vulnerable. We can鈥檛 afford to overburden our healthcare professionals and tax medical resources. Putting up with temporary inconveniences now will bring a return to normalcy faster.
I鈥檓 not saying this is easy. The stress felt from the cloud of uncertainty is real. Beyond the immediate physical concerns, we鈥檙e anxious for our jobs, businesses, and kids鈥� education. But, I have faith in our collective resolve and resilience. I truly believe we鈥檒l emerge from the crisis as a more unified and, yes, more thankful nation. I鈥檓 trying to make lemonade from the lemons. Staying huddled under one roof, our family is spending quality time together and getting reacquainted. And until further notice, we鈥檙e only leaving home for essentials.
For now, my thoughts primarily rest with the health and emotional state of the families and communities of our nation and world. My heart goes out to those whose lives have already been affected by the virus. I also think about those that will have commencement ceremonies, religious observations, and other milestones postponed or canceled. Let鈥檚 hope the majority of those special occasions can be rescheduled and celebrated when this storm passes. Our spirits could use the boost!
I look forward to the time when I鈥檓 writing again here to encourage professional development. Life will, eventually, get back to normal. We鈥檒l go back to the office. Schools will re-open. Grocery shelves will be fully stocked. We鈥檒l eat in restaurants, go to baseball games, attend birthday parties, and shake hands. In the meantime, I hope we鈥檒l weather this challenge鈥攑hysically, emotionally, and economically鈥攊n such a way that gives us a greater appreciation for things that we often take for granted under normal circumstances.