There is no doubt that COVID-19 is a terrible thing. Many people have lost their lives and their employment because of this disease. Many of my friends are living in exile, unable to return to their lives here in China until the danger has past and borders open again.
And yet, despite all the terrible cost, I see much beauty. Working from home, for many of us, has been a great thing. We save hours a day on transportation. Online meetings tend to be more efficient and we are able to have more flexible time to get our work done. Personally, I’m finding that I can get my work done and still have time for an afternoon nap. I am able to spend time reflecting on how best to do my work, rather than just putting out fires. Because of this, I feel more productive and yet less busy than I ever have.
Working from home has also been good for my family. I’ve been able to spend more time with my kids and interact with them throughout their school day. We eat meals together more often and I’m more a part of their lives than I ever have been. As I go for walks in the park, I see lots of other families enjoying time together as well. People seem more relaxed and happier than I can ever remember. It’s like the whole city of Beijing has taken an extended holiday, and people have stopped running long enough to remember how to smile.
Now, I know that this isn’t everyone’s experience. Many are sick, unemployed, or scared. Many of us are glued to social media, speculating about global responses to the disease. I’ve heard that divorce courts are booked for months to come. The challenges of life in these special times can put great strain on already fragile relationships.
For me, though, I am healthier than I have been in years. I’ve been wondering if I have to go back to life as it was. Why should I go back to being too busy and tired to enjoy my work or family? Can we collectively learn from this experience and discover that life works better if we go slower? One of my favorite authors, Dallas Willard, suggests that we need to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives. COVID-19 has helped me do that for this season.
So, I’ve decided. When this is all over, I’m not going back. Sure, I’ll go back to work, but I’m not going back to the frantic pace of life. Would you join me in learning these lessons well? Would you join me in believing that rested people are healthier and more productive? That we can get more done by working less? That leaders are stronger by spending time with their families?
If you, like me, don’t want to go back to life as usual, we need to start making decisions today. What boundaries do we need to put in our lives so that we can live healthily? What seemingly good opportunities will we start saying no to?
One of the things I’ve been able to work on during this season is an online EQ course. It’s a great opportunity to pause, reflect and become a better person and leader. The first course, which includes a coaching appointment is available online. Check it out at https://chinaeqsolutions.com/session-1-emotional-awareness/
What has changed for you? What are you going to do differently when life goes back to normal? Leave a comment below and we can all learn from each other!