How Are You Doing?

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old,
but on building the new.-Socrates

How are you doing? “Social distancing” is impacting many of us in different ways. While some introverts may enjoy the solitude and isolation, many of us thrive on interactions with others and have a need to be social. For those familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) there are two preferences that define where we get our energy:

E’s (Extraversion) are those who get their energy from people, places and things

I’s (Introversion) are those who get their energy from ideas and concepts

When cut off from people and places, the E’s suffer most. The I’s on the other hand may enjoy the extra time of “quiet” to process new ideas and concepts. There is no right or wrong style, but we are impacted differently. Think about how you feel.

Now think about working from home. It could be a perk but it could also be a hardship. Consider those that are, not by choice, home-schooling their children for the first time and having a need to work from home. There may be struggles with the needed technology to have a productive work day, while at the same time balancing other family needs.

We must also be appreciative of the “essential” workers that continue to go to work. They have the added stress of worrying about their possible exposure to the virus, how they could expose their family, and the additional concern of child-care / home-schooling.

We’re in this together and there will be better times. While recognizing the need for “physical distancing”, don’t ignore your social needs and your feelings. One idea is stay connected with family and friends via teleconferencing. You can see one another, catch up, and laugh.

In closing, here are a few chuckles to brighten your day: (special thanks to Pat Bender for sharing).

– I was so bored I called Jake from State Farm just to talk to someone. He asked me what I was wearing.

– My fridge just groaned and hissed “Not you again”.

– Home school update: My child just said they hope they don’t have the same teacher next year.

– The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!

We also hear virtual happy hours are growing in popularity!
Stay safe.

Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.― Steve Maraboli