Fear, the new normal and its opportunity

We are in a time of sudden global, national, local, work and personal change. It is natural that we are fearful of today’s news, tomorrow’s government restrictions and the future of our personal and family members’ health. Edmund Burke said “No power so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.”

We have choices for how we address our fear of the pandemic and its impact on our health and the economy. Last month we could pretend that the change wasn’t happening. Some may hold onto denial.   We can be angry about these changes.   We can try to hide from the change.   Or we can accept the new normal as it evolves, steer its effect on us as much as we can, and look for the opportunities it creates.   One of those opportunities that has been sorely needed is an opportunity reverse the trend toward alienation of people who are different and the fraying of social fabric.   Benjamin Disraeli said “Fear makes us feel our humanity.” If this is true, then our global crisis can be an opportunity to open up to others to help them and to accept help as we navigate this difficult time.   Each of us will have our limitations to the extent we can help each other.   But it would be wonderful if everyone opened themselves up to requests from others. If you think that I can help you, please let me know. My email address is bweber@assuredspc.com.