We Can Intentionally Create New Possibilities


As we sit in our homes sheltering in place and trying to make it through this difficult time, some of us will use this time to intentionally create new possibilities for ourselves.  In my last post I said I would list some questions you could ask yourself and contemplate since you now have time on your hands, which in truth, most of us have never had before.

I read an article in The Atlantic today that said this time was like the French Revolution, a time that saw much upheaval and turmoil.  But the article was optimistic and hopeful and I am as well, but what I say is that if we all go back to "normal" once this is over and continue doing what we have always done, then we will have missed a great opportunity.  This time, this sheltering in place, is a gift and how we use it will have long lasting effects, both for us personally and for the world.   We are all in this pandemic together, so answer these questions with that in mind.

So let's get started.  Using a notebook write down the following questions.  Write out your answers in long hand and keep your notebook close by for future reference.

  1. Am I doing work I love and feel passionate about and does this work serve more than my own personal desires and aspirations.  In thinking about this work, how is it connected to the greater good?  Describe this work.
  2. If you can see when you answer these questions, that your work in not connected to the greater good but is only done to serve your own interests, how could you change this to one that would serve the greater good?  How long would that take and how much time and money would this cost you?
  3. If on the other hand, your work does serve the greater good, but you yourself are not fully engaged with it or there is something in it that does not fit you, what could you do now or when you do go back to work, to change this?  How would you do that?  Who would this affect other than yourself?  
  4. In looking at your work, what are the possibilities already there that you could apply for or ask to do?  What would it take for you to do this?  What would this cost you or your company?  
  5.  Is there something in your work or your organization that you have long thought needs to change?  What is it and what would you need to do to make this happen?
Those are the first questions you need to ask yourself about work.  As you go along you will no doubt have other questions or concerns that motivate you to review and contemplate, so answer those as well.

BTW,  I read an article today, about Chris Cuomo, the host of CNN's top rated, Cuomo Prime Time and brother of New York governor, Andrew Cuomo, regarding his bout with COvid19 and what it has taught him.  He said,  " I don't like what I do professionally, I've decided."   

 Now of course, you don't have to get the COvid19 virus, and I hope and pray you don't, but think about what Chris Cuomo said after spending time alone thinking about his career.  

Next week I will share some questions regarding relationships, since as Freud said, "Love and work, work and love. that's all there is."   

Blessings, Lorraine 


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