Sunday Thoughts (we’re changed now)

Change of course is constant. And we're always evolving, growing.

But few of us have seen so much change, so quickly, all at once.

As we emerge from our cocoons and start to approach what feels a little more normal, many people are realizing they're not the same as they were when this whole thing started.

We've been forced to make many changes, and quite a few we didn't want to. But if you're like me, maybe some of the changes don't feel so bad.

Or they've shined a bright light on what's really important, or things you once took for granted.

And these changes might not be things you'll want to leave behind.

Like taking the time to slow down, and putting a little less pressure on yourself.

It's easy to throw away the "to do" lists and the constant drive to rush through life when you're forced to cool it. If you have no choice in the matter.

But maybe every waking moment of your life doesn't need to be filled with some commitment.

Maybe making the time to read a book, or have a conversation, or just reflect is worth it even when there are other alternatives?

Karen and I have been creative about staying connected to friends and family. There are some folks I've spoken to in the last month that I hadn't reached out to in years. And every time I hung up the phone, I wondered what had taken me so long to do that before?

Hopefully it won't be years before I do it again.

When all the restaurants were closed, we were forced to get reacquainted with our kitchens. And that, my friend, is a very good thing for your health and longevity.

I had a mentor in the health field once who told me that no food, no burger or fries or pizza, is really off-limits if you commit to make it yourself.

Because anything you actually make from scratch is lightyears healthier than what you'd get somewhere else. But it hasn't been all homemade pizzas. I've broken out cookbooks and cooked with leeks, kale, fennel, mangos and all sorts of stuff I've rarely worked with before.

Not everything was perfect. But nearly everything was delicious.

Plus, when walking or running is about the only thing that keeps you from going stir crazy, daily exercise becomes something to look forward to, not an "obligation." I hope more people have come to feel this way too.

And the world has woken up to something I've long tried to do where possible, and that's working from home. Not everyone has the luxury of doing this, as so many essential workers have shown us. But for those of us who do, you can be so much more productive, relaxed and focused in a home work space.

I do miss my colleagues at home base in Tennessee. But it's not like I don't see them. We're on video calls nearly every single day. And during these calls I've been able to see their families, their pets, their homes and a new window into their lives.

I'll be happy to see them again in person. But I think I'll miss seeing their cats run across the screen, or their kids pop in to wave hello.

Think about how your life has changed. And what you might want to hold onto for good.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and be safe.