It’s time for all of us to move past the fear mindset that gripped us back in March. I don’t want to rehash the statistics and their interpretations; we’ve all had enough of those debates. No, I want to talk about how we move forward from here.
Throughout human history, we have weathered countless pandemics. We’ve also survived major wars, depressions, famines, droughts, hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, and every other imaginable calamity. In every single case, humanity found a way to endure. Things may have changed in the aftermath, but we invariably continued.
However, until this year, we never completely shut down and ceased nearly all activity beyond binge-watching “Tiger King.” Instead, people carried on with their lives, and eventually, the great disruption faded.
That’s essentially where we are now. The worst is behind us. Yet, you wouldn’t know it from reading or watching the news. For some reason, fear seems to be the prevailing narrative. While it’s undeniably tragic that people are still getting sick, the death rates in the United States and globally have significantly decreased, regardless of mask mandates. Why are we still doing this to ourselves? Frankly, I can’t fathom it.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
Join the Living
Unless you are among the most vulnerable, it’s time we stop putting our lives on hold. It’s time to go out and be among others. Our children need to return to schools to interact and play. Churches should be able to hold their worship services. Friday nights should once again feature football games and concerts. Visit your local businesses and spend your money there instead of on Amazon. We need to stop treating everyone as a potential threat and start seeing them as neighbors, as we always have. This should be our “new normal.”
Businesses: Reimagine Your Operations
This period has granted everyone a unique opportunity to innovate. Now is the ideal time to rethink your workforce. Instead of layoffs, consider repurposing your employees. Assign them new roles that align with your evolving business model. Explore alternative revenue streams to enhance your company’s resilience during inevitable future downturns. If financially feasible, consider hiring an additional person. We don’t need more people on unemployment!
Prioritize In-Person Connections Over Zoom
Screen time with someone is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Even if you’re not ready for handshakes or hugs with friends or colleagues, you can at least look them in the eyes and offer a smile. There’s an inherent quality in personal proximity that fosters bonds that online or phone conversations simply cannot replicate. It’s how business deals are often sealed, relationships are forged, and genuine enjoyment is shared.
Buy American
If any positive outcome has emerged from this pandemic, it’s the stark realization of our over-reliance on foreign countries for goods we once produced domestically. It’s not just pharmaceuticals and technology; virtually everything seems to be manufactured elsewhere. While U.S.-made products might have a slightly higher cost, isn’t it worth supporting fellow Americans and their families? Although finding American-made goods can be challenging, several websites are simplifying the process. Here are a couple I’ve found:
https://clark.com/shopping-retail/american-made-in-the-usa/
https://madeinamericastore.com
When you’re shopping in a store, ask the salesperson if a product is made in America. If you’re hiring a contractor, request that they prioritize American-made materials. It’s time to address this issue by creating demand that encourages companies to bring their manufacturing back home.
With all that said, don’t you long to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave once more? I certainly do. I hope you do, too.