I’ve been finding peace of mind in a few things, like learning to be Comfortable with Slow : Slow ins’t really my jam and I don’t sit still very well. But I’m working on consciously realizing what needs to get done now vs. what can actually wait until later — with work, as well as life in general — and using that self-made space to slow down, relax, and reconnect. Being present with my Partner : I’m trying to make a point each day of connecting with my partner Christie in some meaningful way … it could be as simple as a long hug, or be as meaningful as a long conversation. Being present and connected with her keeps me at peace. Lastly, Connecting with Others : Despite the fact I’m a super social guy, I’m incredibly awkward on the phone. So, I’m sending a lot of texts checking in on people, saying “hi”, propagating goofy gif’s, and just generally trying to let people know I’m thinking of them and care about them.
I'm incredibly grateful to the entire Lo Rez team. They've all been amazing. The stay-at-home order, which is a critical public health strategy, has hobbled Lo Rez and therefore directly impacted them, their hours, their income, and the co-workers and regulars they care about. Despite that they've been incredibly supportive of each other and the business. I wish I could hug them all.
Society will learn and change from this experience. I'm hopeful we *unlearn* how to ignore each other on the street when wearing masks and dart to a "safer" side of the street. Instead I'm hopeful we can learn how fragile our society truly is when it comes to basic human rights - the right to work and earn a livable wage, the right to basic healthcare, the right to vote and have your vote matter, the same rights regardless of your income level/zip code/skin color. I'm also hopeful Americans can steer our Class system away from becoming a full blow Caste system and one that works - one that works for everyone.
I know that's heavy and unapologetically political. But this pandemic has made it clearly visible (to anyone choosing to open their eyes) that our system is broken for most Americans, and it's purposefully crafted to suppress some of those Americans. Hopefully enough people see the reality of our current socio-economic system and actively fight against it through voting, grass-roots activism, and demonstrations.
We've flattened the pandemic curve, now we must flatten the income-inequality curve.
Since that ended pretty heavy, here's a pic of our dogs :)”
