PREPARING TO PRESS PLAY

In the current situation with COVID and the precautions that have transitioned our lives to a "new normal" we have all been in a paused state. This has made even the most stable of us stop and examine every move we make both professionally and personally. In this severely paused state we have some life changing decisions to make because pressing play is inevitable.

Many states are reopening and the regularity of life is being challenged by the continued precautions and restrictions that are necessary. The regular shopping trip is full of capacity restrictions in stores, to wearing masks and plexiglass barriers. Restaurants are all take out or are seating in staggered and separated styles. Even doctors office continue to cancel elective treatments and have transformed your car to the new waiting rooms. With all of these changes and the phases that are committed to stabilizing life we still face uncertainty. Even in light frustration related to "Stay at home orders" we desire and need to have interactions. We want the old lives we had because they had become habits and familiar safeguards from change. Many of us are ready to venture out physically but undoubtedly there are fears and insecurity of the future.

In a crowded mall you step on an escalator and stand still watching as you move to your destination. That destination is predetermined for you because you cannot veer to the left or right. You can only go up or down and movement in either of these directions is dictated by the speed of the escalator that has been preset by someone who does not know you. There is no sense of your urgency to arrive at the designated location and you are riding with many others that have varied desires but anticipate arriving at the same place. Escalator etiquette is that you remain in a paused state in your space until the end of the ride. This paused state is not always a bad place because it allows you to observe the journey and the vast possibilities. It gives you clear vision of the stores that are available and even allows you to map out where you should go first or make alternate plans. This paused state also allows you to prepare for your dismount so you don't stumble or fall as many often do. The pause in time allows you to distance yourself from those who may be seen as a risk for an "imperfect dismount". We all know this could be tragic and create a domino affect of people on the floor embarrassed and injured. This analogy is one that can characterize all of our lives in the present. Where are you in this paused state on the escalator?

Indeed, we are in a paused state in life but it is the perfect opportunity to plan for your future. Its a time to create places that were not previously set for you. A time to observe those around you and distance yourself from those who may cause you to stumble. This is a time to prepare for your dismount into greater professional and personal triumphs. Create yourself a voice that you may have been satisfied as a whisper previously. As different phases of reopening are initiated I challenge you to create personal phases for yourself and become part of the power shift that is inevitable. It is your time and my time to prepare in this paused moment so when its time you can confidently press "PLAY"!

#ClearCache'