Slingshot Effect

"In orbital mechanics and aerospace engineering, a gravitational slingshot, gravity assist maneuver, or swing-by is the use of the relative movement (e.g. orbit around the Sun) and gravity of a planet or other astronomical object to alter the path and speed of a spacecraft, typically to save propellant and reduce expense." (Wikipedia)

None of us launched ourselves intentionally toward the year 2020 with COVID19, in all its real and perceived impacts, creating its own "gravity" of influence on .... well, everything. But, whether we like it or not, chose it or not, welcome it or not, dread it or not, here we are.

Are we at the point of closest approach, still on the way in, or on the way out? Hard to say. As with any major disruptive defining influence, putting time boundaries on C19's impact will be a lot easier with the benefit of a little historical perspective in the future. Are we feeling the influence? Everyone I know, know of, know about, ... in other words, everyone I can imagine is feeling the influence of C19 ... and quite strongly at that.

So, what to do? GO WITH IT. Steer when you can. Adjust when you can. Adapt when you can. Don't worry about the next normal. COVID19's "gravity" is our present normal. Make every day a winning day. Be a pilot, not a passenger. If being a pilot is not in your flight plan, find as many pilots as you can and encourage them. If you see a pilot go down, launch a rescue. If you see a pilot off course, give aid. If you see someone who is not a pilot, but is about to be, cheer them on. Lean in, not out. Lean forward, not back. Look up, not down. Look inside for the big positive change. Don't look to something, somebody or somewhere else outside in the world around you. Own it. Be it. Live it. Future you will be grateful to present you.

2020 (and maybe a few years following) could actually be our "finest hour" - that time which we, and the future "WE" for a long time, look back and marvel at how much changed so fast for so many and for so much good.