Positive Side of Covid-19: 5 Positives to Covid

Positive Side to Covid

Let me first off thank everyone for their kind words about my grandmother. It’s truly heartwarming and reminds me the relationship we share is bigger than client/planner. It blends into the world of friendship.

Since last week was a more somber blog, I thought I’d spice it up this week and talk about more optimistic things. As you know, it’s a passion of mine (as well as those at Diversified) to connect with our clients on a higher level. We want to elicit happiness from our clients and align their lives accordingly.

During times like these, I can hear my dad playing Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now. He always looked at the bright side of things. I figured I’d share with you all the positives that have come into my life during this time of quarantine. I say this not to downplay the tragedies that have emerged, but rather to focus on that “bright, sunshiny day.”

5 Positives to Covid

1. Family Time –

Right out of the gate I’ll hit you with hands-down the biggest positive I’ve gotten out of this thing—family time. It’s crazy how much I’ve gotten to see my wife and kids these days (in between meetings and calls, before I go to work in the morning and at night). If there was no quarantine, this time would never have been afforded to me. As a matter of fact, I’m spending more time with my family right now than I’ll ever be able to do for the REST OF MY LIFE.

Think about that for a minute, because I know I will. I’ve spoken to a lot of you who have kids home from college and are enjoying the time you would not have had in other conditions. My normal life has me leaving for work before anyone is awake and coming home at night to hopefully see my kids and wife for a few hours (that is if they aren’t busy or I’m not working late). Rinse and repeat. That is my life, much like a lot of yours. So, I am doing my best to enjoy every moment and memory I’m getting to spend with these amazing people.

2. Non-Local Friends and Family –

Clearly, I’m not seeing my friends or other members of my family as frequently as I normally would. But in a weird way, I’m closer to them more now than ever. Maybe it’s because I have more time on my hands or we’re all stuck home, but our communication is at an all-time high. We’re texting all the time, which gives me much-needed relief. Additionally, I’ve done probably a dozen video conferences with these people who I barely get to see during the course of my “normal” life, and I love every moment when I do. Never on a random night would I have eight of my best friends from growing up get on a group chat, have some drinks, and share some laughs. It’s really heartwarming and brings me closer to all these people.

3. Appreciation –

I do have such a greater appreciation of so many people and things these days. Where to start?

My wife; boy, do I appreciate her. While I’m down here writing this article, she’s upstairs with three kids and a puppy. Somehow, she’s teaching the kids, handling the new puppy, keeping a smile on her face, and even making amazing loaves of artisanal bread.

My employees have stepped up immensely during these trying times. Not only are they dealing with their own stuff, but showing up at work giving their all to us and you.

The heroism of frontline workers is inspiring. I mean, if you can’t appreciate the sacrifices they make daily, I don’t know what will inspire you.

I do miss the normal and the mundane. I always say every time I get sick, I swear I’ll be a better person and appreciate the simple things, like being healthy if I can just get through this cold. I feel the same today. Man, I’ll appreciate a date night with my wife or having family over for dinner when we can get back to those things.

I kind of take for granted how technology is such a part of our normal lives. Can you imagine if this happened 10-15 years ago? In a world pre-Zoom, iPhones, and Netflix? Makes you really appreciate how useful these things can be.

Last, but not certainly least, I appreciate you—our clients. You’ve impressed me with your hope and loyalty. We have prepared for this for years and we never know how everyone will react. To say you have all exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Thanks for being so amazing and putting your faith in us. We will not let you down!

4. Business Changes for the Better –

If you asked me two months ago about working remotely, I would have felt strongly against it as a normal way of doing business. Heck, I even wrote a blog about it a year or two ago. Today, we’re more nimble, efficient, and technologically advanced. We can meet clients remotely and deliver even better service because of it. I’m excited about the innovations and increase client experience that will stem from this.

5. Meditation-

I’ve said it for years; I’m going to try to meditate to slow myself down. Well, I’ve started doing 10 minutes a day and let me tell you, I dig it. If you haven’t given it a try I’d suggest it, especially during these stressful times.

How about you?

There’s a lot of innovation and gratitude that has come out of this thing. True, it has come at a terrible cost. But I’m wired to focus on the positives and what I can control—like how I act, how I feel, how I spend my time, and how I view things. I’m doing my best to make sure those things are aligned as best as possible with a focus on to positives.

Let me ask you, what is the best thing that came out of this in your life? If you need a little help listen to I Can See Clearly Now and let me know.