I was talking with my two daughters the other day and we were of course commenting on the current condition in the world, the U.S., and of course with each other. More specifically, how this has impacted our family (I have six adult children, and seven grandchildren, and one on the way) and our careers.  We agreed that the world as we knew it has changed and will probably be changed forever.  Some things will never be the same.  The way we do business will change.  The way we interact with each other will change.

We agreed that we will be facing a “new normal.”

There is something about loss and change that makes us appreciate what we had, and wish we had it back. This is and should be a time of reflective appreciation.  Spend time reflecting upon all that you appreciate(ed) about the organization you work for, the people you work(ed) with, the times of connection and community, the use of your talents, strengths, and gifts.

Write handwritten notes of appreciation. People need to know how much you appreciate them, maybe now is the time to put that in writing—something personal, from you.

Connect.  We were made to be in community and to connect with others.  In this time of isolation and closed businesses that’s really hard to do.  Here’s where I’m thankful for technology.  I don’t know how many people I’ve talked to that are using things like Zoom to communicate to people and groups.  But now is a time to call those you haven’t connected with in a while.  Be an encourager.  Talk about the “old times” and brainstorm for tomorrow.  It will energize you and while you encourage them, you will be encouraged.

Reset. Begin to imagine a different world, because that’s what it is. It may be time to rethink how you can use your gifts/strengths/advantages…as individuals and as organizations.  For example, many years ago, our family owned a vegetable farm along with my Uncle’s family.  After the passing of our parents, we eventually divided the property in two, leaving a much smaller footprint.  My cousin who had a passion for farming, but from a different angle, turned it into green houses and needing only a fraction of the property we once had.  That’s a reset.

By going through the process of reflective appreciation, connecting with people, and getting prepared to reset you will come out of this time better, stronger, and with a lot more enthusiasm for the new world you’ve entered.