Sharing Our Silver Linings

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I use this time of year to reflect on what I am grateful for and to spend quality time with family and friends. I look forward to traveling to be with family, gathering around the dinner table for a big dinner and spending time hiking. 

This year the holiday will understandably be different. With COVID-19 cases surging across the country, coupled with the flu season, and public health officials urging us to follow safety measures, our Thanksgiving traditions will be a bit different. We will have a quiet Thanksgiving with my immediate family and go for a long walk in our neighborhood to take in some fresh, fall air.

Finding the Silver Lining

Earlier this year, we started a “silver linings” conversation internally at Blue Shield of California. This was an opportunity for employees to share stories, emphasize the fortunate in the unfortunate and demonstrate how the power of humor can lead to a positive mindset and healing.

For me, my silver lining during this pandemic has been spending more time at home with my family. For the first time in my 25-year career, I have been home consistently to start the day with my family and be there in the evenings for dinner instead of traveling or attending evening work events. Virtual school has also enabled me to connect more than ever with my two children and better understand what they are learning. I am most grateful this year for good health and family time. 

I am also grateful for being able to launch a new podcast this year called Healthy Dose of Dialogue. This podcast has given me the opportunity to have great discussions with healthcare leaders. I asked each guest a similar question: Has there been a silver lining for you related to COVID-19 and these unprecedented times we are experiencing? 

Here are just a few things they shared: 

• Raj Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Accolade: “I've been in my house with my children and with my wife the last six months and I count that as a gift. I think the other silver lining for me too is that these types of moments test the mettle of companies. You get to see what your coworkers are made of in these moments and I would be remiss if I didn't say that 1,300 people at Accolade inspired me over these last six months.” 
• Sara Teppema, President and Founder of Alta Advisers: “…my husband teaches orchestra, so I get to listen to him teaching orchestra all day. So I get to hear little violins all day, which is actually quite nice, and it gives me hope for the world that there's kids who are still willing to take their lessons online and that makes me happy.” 
• Dr. Carrie Byington, Executive Vice President of University of California Health: “It's been an opportunity to spend time with my husband and my grown children. We've been able to have a little bubble and see each other a lot more, cook together. That is a silver lining for me personally. But I do recognize that this pandemic has been incredibly difficult for the entire country and my work has been focused every day – and the work of everyone at the University of California Health system – to end this pandemic, to get us out of this place through research and through excellent care that we are able to deliver.” 

Has there been a silver lining for you during these unprecedented times? How are you planning to spend the upcoming holidays? 

Don Antonucci serves as Senior Vice President of Growth for Blue Shield of California. He has more than two decades of experience in the health care industry and is the host of “Healthy Dose of Dialogue” podcast available on Apple iTunes or Spotify. The monthly podcast invites healthcare leaders to share fresh perspectives and engage in healthy dialogue about marketplace trends and industry insights impacting health care today.