It’s now week 2 of mandatory shelter-in-place restrictions in California. My employees have been working remotely, and my kids can’t go to school. They also don’t get to go to soccer practice, train gymnastics or ride horses. I don’t get to go to the gym, do yoga or train jiu-jitsu. I had planned an Alaskan cruise for the kids in June and was looking forward to a Summer honeymoon. No more. I already miss my favorite restaurants and seeing friends in person.
This experience has caused me to reflect deeply about many things. One thing I realize more profoundly today is that I take many things for granted. Freedom first and foremost among them. My freedom really isn’t that limited in the end. I just can’t do many things I like to do or go many places I enjoy. But still. I feel it immensely. I shudder to think how locking a human being in a cell for decades at a time affects a mind and soul. I know I will be much more grateful for the “little things” once this is over. Like coffee with friends.
I perhaps take other things for granted too: my health, my job, my ability to provide for my family. I am extremely grateful for my life. I pray in specific gratitude every single day. But still. I think about people ill, dead or just terrified. I think about moms and dad losing their jobs. And it makes me realize how truly blessed I am.
We have a “#MoreNow” challenge in place
Circumstances certainly have already caused me to rise as a leader. I am by my nature a positive person. And so, I am taking the challenges of today as an opportunity for growth. I am encouraging every member of my law firm to do the same. We have a “#MoreNow” challenge in place. The idea is that we will use the current challenges we face as an opportunity to do even more that we did without them: as human beings, as family members and for our clients. We have put a team challenge in place to see who can accomplish their goals. We have committed as a group to take even greater care of ourselves, our loved ones and our clients and team-mates.
There are other positives to be sure. We have all slowed down a bit. I am reading more and have committed to reading every word of the Bible from cover to cover. It’s odd to me that I have never done that before. Families walk down the streets of my neighborhood and wave to each other. People talk over fences. My kids actually play board games with me. We as a people are stepping up for each other.
I try to lead by faith and with a positive mindset
I’m not sure how long all this will last. But like I said, for me, it’s just a matter of doing without some small things and small freedoms. It’s really not so much in the end. It’s others I worry about. Those sick, those dying and those facing tough economic times. For my part, I try to do my best to lead. Within my church, my family, my law firm and my community. I try to lead by faith and with a positive mindset. I know that this is part of God’s plan and that we are learning valuable lessons about what it means to be human. I have trust in Him. We’ll get through this.
