Business as usual? Not so much! Especially in states that have gone into lockdown, like Illinois, which is where I live. I think we need to label this “business unusual.”

I am fortunate in some ways because my life and business hasn’t changed significantly. I have always had a primarily virtual business and worked from home. I also don’t have kids or a partner, so almost nothing in my surroundings has changed.

I don’t know about you, but I am struggling to have patience with colleagues who are banging the drum that things will get back to normal. We will continue to do business, no doubt, but I believe the way we work and think about work will change dramatically going forward.

However, in this post I want to share perspectives on our current reality.

A time of opportunity

I loved Karen’s post SO much and shared it on LinkedIn. What a joyous reframe!

A time of adjustment

Sarah’s post was so gorgeous in its honesty. Families and working couples are navigating the chaos of homeschooling and conference calls. Many folks hit their breaking point last week and admitted to having mini meltdowns.

If that was you, please watch this and give yourself a break.

And I completely agree with Sarah that this is a marathon not a sprint, and we need to take really good care of ourselves.

A time of uncertainty

If you’re one of the ones bragging about how great you have it, feel grateful – but please stop being tone deaf to the pain of so many.

If you’re in denial about the current situation, you’ll be crashing to reality shortly because everyone is going to be affected in some way.

A time to shine

I don’t know about you, but my crystal ball has gone missing. I don’t know when we’re going to come out the other side of this chaos, and what kind of a business community we will have at that point.

But I do know that we will get through it.

I also know that we’ll have major ups and downs as we navigate these crazy times.

Over the next few weeks/months we are likely to see the very best and worst of humanity. We’ll have toilet paper hoarders AND people who do incredibly good and kind deeds.

You get to decide what your values are and how you want to live them.

You get to decide how you lead and serve.

You get to decide how you show up.

Choose wisely.