Earlier this month, I wrote a blog talking about silver linings like a greater sense of community and connectivity. It was well received, and I am thankful for the kind words. Almost as soon as I wrote the first blog, I started thinking about the next silver lining I’d find because I knew we were in for an extended period of stay at home.
So here we are at the start of May, and based on the North Carolina published guidelines, the best-case scenario is that we can open our office around June 1. And you know what? I’m not worried about that anymore. All the people here at Zencos have already proved that we are much more than our office space, so when it opens, it opens. Like my sentiment toward the office, today’s silver lining is a greater appreciation of what I already have in my life and what is gone but I know will come back.
Seeing the Trees
Before COVID-19, it was so easy to get into the robotic day-to-day mode and almost wholly lose sight of what’s around you. There’s so much truth to the saying, “can’t see the forest for the trees.” You get up and get your morning jolt of caffeine so you can face the day. Check the news.(if you are like me, you still read printed newspapers.) Walk the dog. Check the pulse of the business. Phone calls and put out fires. Yada, yada, yada. Rinse and repeat.
Don’t get me wrong, I still have my morning coffee and walk the dog, but I’m starting to see the forest again. I knew it was out there, but I wasn’t looking at it as closely as I am today; colors are brighter, and the air is clearer, and I notice that. Someone once told me it’s the little things in life that can make a big difference. In the last month, I’ve started to see the little things again. I’m appreciative of them, and honestly, they make me smile.
Initially, I was hesitant to go outside, but after reading numerous articles, I decided outside was a good thing. I’m going for more walks, and I see families out walking and riding together. I’m seeing kids of all ages, lots of kids, outside playing in their backyards. Kids are playing outside-who knew they still did that!
Hidden Talents Discovered
We had our Zencos virtual talent show last week. I had no idea that we had so many singers, dancers, candle makers, and ukulele players. Craig Willis, Director of Financial Crimes Delivery, has a mohawk now that matches his young son. He probably would have never gotten the mohawk when life was “normal.” I think it’s great he got the chance. And he solved a Rubik’s cube in less than 3 minutes! #powerofthemohawk. My business partner Ben can stand on his head. Ben didn’t win the contest, but we got to see him stand on his head! I appreciate the talent, openness, and the uniqueness of all the people at Zencos.
I miss the small things that I can’t do and hope to do again soon. I want to meet and talk to a stranger without worrying about catching a disease by being friendly. I hope that doesn’t sound too weird. I miss sitting in a bar or restaurant surrounded by people that I don’t know. I miss shaking a hand, high five or fist bump at a Capitals game. I miss getting a hug from a friend, and I want to hold the newest baby in the Zencos family. Virtual has been great to keep things going, but there’s something about the small contacts with people we have every day that makes life better. I see that now.
I appreciate people that are intentionally putting themselves in harm’s way. They work every day to take care of our sick, deliver our food, keep our lights on, make sure the water flows, work in factories and meatpacking plants, and all the other things that keep our society moving. I just watched the trash collector pick up the trash, and the USPS driver deliver my mail. I appreciate them all.
I believe that life will eventually get back close to what we consider normal. I hope not entirely because we all need to remember to see the forest, smell the flowers or the coffee, and see the good things people do that benefits us all.
Until next time
P.S. I didn’t win best hat day.
