Creating a shift in perspective during Covid19

You know you truly love something when missing it makes your heart ache. It’s that time when Duke Gardens is ablaze with color. Tulips, cherry blossoms, and redbuds heralding spring. The gardens have been closed since March 12th, a measure to limit large gatherings and promote social distancing. And so, on a beautiful spring day, we went on a drive in our car to catch a glimpse through the windows. We saw purple buds, white blooms like snow, and green lawns on the other side of stone walls and iron gates.

One of the things I will miss most this season is walking through those gardens. Those moments that were, those memories of my kids tumbling down hills or running in the bamboo forests - how much more deeply do I appreciate them now. And I felt a sadness, a grief.

As I reflect on this, I think of Anne Frank hiding in quiet within a tiny attic with 7 other people for years, in order to survive. And for her, there was only a single tree outside her window...My mind turned to the refugees who fled war torn countries, leaving a home that will never be the same ever again, except in their memories.

And I think - how incredibly fortunate we are! We can sing. We can laugh or cry with raucous abandon. We have books and streaming shows to entertain us. We can see and speak freely with friends and loved ones via technology. We are surrounded by love. These are all EXQUISITE . And they beckon us to appreciate the moments and memories that they enable more deeply and richly. 

There is so much that we can do. And so much that invites us to reimagine how we can engage, reach out, play, help, and discover joy and beauty in our everyday surroundings. For the first time in a long time, we can pause and see the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.

Many years ago, my wise friend, Marty Dempsey, retired general and 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave many of us the advice to “Give them memories.” He talked about the gift of memories for our families and friends, for our team members, and for those in our communities. That advice has never been more relevant than now. 

What memories are you gifting to others through care and compassion. And in doing so, what memories are you creating for yourself? What memories are you choosing to make and keep everyday? When this is all done, and we look back, will the memories be ones of deeper gratitude and appreciation? The choice is ours.

In times of crisis, there is good and bad. Hope stems from a habit of seeing the good. And when we are able to see that good, it reminds us also of our individual agency to do good. We can also take part in sharing and amplifying stories of good, from small acts of kindness to major innovations that's possible through creativity and collaboration. Sharing them can also spark others to build on the ideas!

?I'm using my LinkedIn platform these next few months to share these stories with more than 1 million followers. Please join me in sharing and amplifying via #SeetheGood #BetheGood