The Pandemic Blues are OVER, Time to make some Pandemic Rock and Roll, An Appreciation of Being Alive

"I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.'"

— Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. 

Saturday 5:25 a.m., I woke up about 4:50 and laid in bed with my Queen. As she lay, I stroked her back. The cat joined us, she and I jousted a little before I got out of bed. I sauntered down the stairs, made my coffee, headed to our lower level, and grabbed my laptop, and here I sit by my fireplace watching the sunrise and sharing some soup with you. 

It rained last night; it's moist outside. It will clear up; we've got a big hike with some friends at 2:00 today. We're going to try to do Mount Falcon, but if it's too busy, we found a secret path last week. We will spend our morning doing chores around the house; we have company coming over tonight, going to cook and relax and have some deep conversations about life and freedom.

I think there are three camps of people right now. Some are miserable, struggling, mentally beaten; this has been a hard time in their lives. Others are ok, making it, waiting it out until the authorities tell them that it's acceptable to go "out." Then there is a third group that has flourished during this time. People that have leaned in and taken advantage of the time given by something greater than ourselves.

Before I share my camp, my mindset, let me first say that I am horrified for the people who have lost their job. I am saddened by those businesses that will close.  My heart goes out to those that lost a loved one or experienced sickness in their family or their circle of friends.

For me, this has been one of the best times of my life. In recent memory, I can't remember a time where I have accomplished more and been more at peace with myself. I do not worry where things will go, I am a survivor, whatever the new ruleset. I will figure out a way to maximize my life for the new world order.

In the last 60 days, I have had more of a connection with my Queen.  We have been pushed closer together (if that was even possible), doing life together, making decisions together as to our next steps. Our business had a slight dip, but all indicators are that we are on pace to be very profitable in 2020. We were built for something like this; our operation can run from anywhere.  We have found our company is more efficient when our staff can work from home. 

I launched a new virtual training company. The website went live yesterday; you can learn more at www.insurancesherpa.net. Now I get to do one of my favorite things and begin marketing my wares to strangers, I'm going to get creative, and I think this new business of training from the top of a mountain will suit me.  I can help people all over the country from the comfort of my mountain home.

I am setting up a video studio in our home; I've ordered a high-end camera, a lapel mic, a green screen, and am self-learning OBS or Open Broadcast Software. I will be recording my coaching sessions and snipping the best content to sell to those looking to improve their insurance agency or teach their sales team a proven sales process. Once I learn it, I will teach others how to do this work; I love learning; this time has been a blessing.

Before this "event" we were on a plane weekly, I was in a car 15 o 20 hours a week, I have not been on a plane since March 13th, I have maybe been in a vehicle a total of 3 hours in the last 60 days. If you do the math eight weeks at 20 hours in a car is 160 hours I was able to reclaim, I've used that time wisely connecting with my team, clients, and vendors.

I've met more new people in the last 60 days than in the previous year. The people I'm now meeting are those with my mindset. Those hiding in fear have no interest in talking to me, I'm too optimistic. Those indifferent don't seem to want to reach out, but others, my tribe, those I don't know are reaching out, finding those with a positive mindset, and we are creating a new hivemind.   

I was asked yesterday when I might be ready to go to a show at Red Rocks, and my answer was today.  I am not living in fear; I will respect my fellow humans by wearing a mask when needed. I'll practice social distance, but I'm on the side of if I get sick, I'll be ok.  The concern is the infection of others; I don't plan on visiting or engaging with those hampered with a preexisting condition. I'll virtually hang with those not ready to meet personally.

I see some opportunities coming soon. Those that did not plan accordingly will be in a position to sell; the property will be devalued; I buy commercial property, my partner and I are looking to make some significant investments as the market begins to fall. I had a friend a long time ago that lived above his means, never saved, never put money back for a rainy day, and I always thought it a strange way to live. 

My Queen and I are savers as is my commercial real estate partner when this event hit; we had a war chest in both companies allowing us not to fret or worry, but to see opportunities that would not have existed sans a pandemic. I honestly think we can build wealth in this time of despair. 

To me, it is all about mindset. How do you compute the current situation, do you favor fear, or do you prefer opportunity? I've written the last 60 days about the silver linings, but I think it's more than silver linings; for me, this time has allowed me to transform my mind, body, and soul. I am more enlightened today; I see the light; the darkness is in my rearview mirror. I'm done with the pandemic blues and am ready to start making some pandemic rock and roll. I'm taking applications for my band, let me know if you want to join.

"I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.'"

— Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.