WOWZA! I had a bad Wednesday last week. Then, my husband’s work computer stopped working on Friday. On Sunday, my new computer decided it had “a problem” and shut down. Unfortunately, the shutdown occurred during a webinar with 100+ participants while I was presenting the program. Know what else? I’ve been fed up, frustrated, and very fussy to my stay-in-place buddy, Gregg.
WHAT IS UP?!! Yes, several of my business events were postponed. However, we have no major issues. We have a nice place to stay and plenty of food to eat. Our family members are safe and in good health. We are fortunate that Gregg’s cousin was released from a three-week stay in the ICU and could return to his family.
Recently on calls with friends, I confessed my confusion over being “ok” and yet still stressed. I shared my frustration about not accomplishing more. There is an on-line course to create, another book to write, and home projects to complete.
My friends did not respond with productivity tips or attempt to motivate me. Instead, they asked questions like, “What have you done for you?” “Have you taken a break?” “What are you doing that’s fun?” My friend Michelle suggested I join her in celebrating May Day on Friday, May 1. She even sent me a fun video.
When written, the only difference between the word MAYDAY and MAY DAY is one space. Yet their meanings are so different. MAYDAY is an international distress signal. And MAY DAY is a celebration of the return of spring. Like spelling, sometimes adding a little space in your life can make a big impact.
HOW ARE YOU DOING? Do you need to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself? Even professional athletes take a time out. What do you need to do to negotiate a little space for yourself? How and when could you make that happen?
HOW TO NEGOTIATE SPACE FOR YOURSELF
Over the last several weeks, there have been a multitude of articles and postings about tough situations. This very scary disease has affected more than its victims and their families, healthcare professionals, and medical manufacturers. You have witnessed the disruption and disappointments our community is facing.
Stories about sick people avoiding the hospital and the increasing abuse of others are frightening. Family members are separated from loved ones for celebrations, in sickness, and at funerals. Travel plans were cancelled, meetings and events put on hold, and businesses closed their doors. Many people are unemployed; others hope for continued employment. Our local services agency, Metrocrest Services, reports a 373% increase from this time last year for emergency assistance with rent, food, and essentials. One-half of the clients are first-time applicants.
Workplaces are different, and many workers now office from home. Online meetings and classrooms are causing virtual fatigue. Students miss their friends, while parents and guardians are concerned about their students’ learning. Proms, senior traditions, study abroad trips, and graduations are cancelled or will be celebrated differently. Determining the truth in all the health, economics, personal rights, and political messages can be a confusing undertaking.
Can you deal with this crisis and help with solutions without creating space for your own wants and needs?
You know the answer, you can’t. Over the last several weeks, you may have seen my postings about interviews, articles, and tools to help you and/or your business stay healthy and deal with the challenges. There is a special website page created for you to house these resources and where new ones will be added.
The Negotiate Tough Times page has video discussions, webinars, examples, and articles addressing several aspects of dealing with the crisis personally and professionally. From dealing with the crisis from a survivor mindset, advice to help your business now to advice for job seekers and fundraising for non-profits. Want to stop the virtual meeting fatigue or communicate better with your clients and your employees? You’ll find solutions, practical tips, and examples there too.
MAKE MY MAY SPECIAL REQUEST
On Friday, May 1, can you reach out to someone who is having a mayday or may need a boost? And if you are experiencing a mayday, can you reach out to someone you trust? If you have no one else, reach out to me. You are important. You are worth celebrating. You can negotiate these tough times.
Want one more reason to celebrate?
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. In Mexico, this is not a major holiday. However, in Texas and parts of the United States, the day showcases Mexican culture and heritage. It is a blast. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on … wait for it … Taco Tuesday!
Next Tuesday, I hope you join me in some great Mexican food from one of your local restaurants and a beverage of your choice. My choice will be a Corona beer. From today forward, I choose to embrace all the happiness I can find. Moreover, I commit to stop feeling defeated by a virus which shares its name with a beer.
May your May be better than you can imagine.