On Saturday, March 21st, after my first full week of working from home with a 3 and 5 year old, I needed to get out of the house! After being cooped up at home, I needed a change of scenery and to get some fresh air so I decided to go for a run around the Fresh Pond Reservoir.
In typical Type A manner, I opened the Runkeeper app, picked a training plan and had every intention of making the most of my work out! But, as I started to run, my brain started to work overtime and my legs started to slow down. It was the first I had allowed myself to try to process the abrupt changes that had taken place over the last week and what the indefinite future was going to look like as we practice social distancing and wait for the coronavirus to run its course.
The weight of my worries and responsibilities slowed down my pace to a crawling walk. I rehashed conversations I had with clients over the past week about their market volatility concerns, discussions with my parents who are still in Ecuador because the government abruptly shut down the airport, clients who live abroad that had traveled for vacations that were unable to return to their homes.
Towards the end of the trail, I saw this tree and couldn’t help but feel drawn to it. Like the tree, my life (and your life) has been completely uprooted. To be honest, up to this point I was feeling heavy and down. What was supposed to be an energetic work out to de-stress had taken a negative turn and this tree was a symbol of how I was feeling. I snapped a picture and kept walking.
As I walked away, my mindset shifted; I couldn’t help but think, we don’t have to be like that tree. We don’t have to stay on the ground! Can we have bad days? Of course. Is it ok to wallow in our sorrows a bit? Absolutely. But then, unlike the tree, we can pick ourselves up and keep moving forward.
As a society, we are finding forced isolation can be challenging and it might feel like life has come to a standstill. Many of the things we enjoy most are not available right now, such as travel, sporting events, shows, concerts, or just dinner out with family and friends. The days may seem long and endless, but somehow the week is over before we know it and life is moving forward.
I see it with my clients who are buying and selling homes. They are being promoted and changing jobs. One of them moved to the West coast to start her Master’s degree and advance her career. Another client and her fellow management team are choosing to be temporarily laid off so that they can continue to pay their employees!
All this activity give me hope and inspires me to stay the course!
In these uncertain times, one thing that remains unwavering is my commitment to you - to be your long-term partner, a sympathetic ear, a sounding board and to share my expertise. So, allow me to help you do your best today and in the near term future. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Until next time, stay safe & healthy.