I want to start by saying how blessed I am to not be personally affected by the COVID-19 in terms of none of my friends, family, and loved ones have it to my knowledge…

It was tough for me because of what’s going on with COVID-19 I was in denial living right in the middle of it in my cozy apartment in Midtown East.

My optimism is a blessing a curse because I tend to deny the reality of things sometimes especially when its as morbid as what’s going on right now.

My fiancee, bless her heart is the complete opposite of me and she is very careful and did not want to leave the apartment unless I really had to. I was in a bit of a funk in the last couple of weeks being right in the middle of it all or so I am told.

These are the top ten things I’ve learned during the COVID-19 crisis that is going on right now.

1. Technology can be used for good being able to connect with people and see your loved ones while practicing social distancing has been challenging for me being an extrovert but seeing how we are all coming together warms my heart.
2. Using this time to connect with yourself, catch up on reading and focus on well being. We are fortunate enough to have a great mindfulness meditation program every day here at Linkedin but I have also been using Youtube to look up meditations. It’s an opportunity to explore your inner depths and this a good time to rediscover yourself and align your priorities from journaling.
3. Be Creative– There is an abundance of resources online and a lot of companies are giving away free products during this crisis. Take advantage of them to stay healthy.
4. Call your friends, family, and loved ones. Sometimes we get caught up with life and we always have been meaning to call people and now is the best time to do it. We are social beings by nature and now is a great time to call up people you have been pulling off to reconnect and support each other even if it’s just listening to how someone is feeling right now.
5. Adapt to your new routine– Human beings special powers are being able to adapt. We have gone through recessions before and what happened with 9/11 changed many of us in America. It takes a week to adapt to WFH and other changes with your family/ spouse being home but what makes us special is that we can adjust and be able to take advantage of technology to help move us forward.
6. Send out snail mail- Because I am not going to programming at night like I usually am I am taking this opportunity to brighten up someone’s day. Send Thank you letters, they go a long way and now its needed much more than ever.
7. The power of social– I have been doing fitness challenges and tagging my friends and we all have an impact and can greatly influence everyone else around you. Lead by example instead of leading through fear- lead through compassion and love.
8. Create Virtual Happy Hours– LIAA and Cheers for Charity have been putting together virtual happy hours and there have been fun, interactive ice breakers and games we are putting in. It’s an opportunity for you to flex your leadership muscles and lead by example.
9. Pick up the phone and call someone– To often we use technology to our detriment and I know that some of us are afraid to pick up the phone to call someone. Technology can be amazing but I find that the old school calling people is a much more effective way to connect with you than over text messages or instant messenger.
10. Don’t be so hard on yourself- Everyone is struggling so if you are not as productive as you normally am. It’s okay, we are all human and it’s fine to take a step back and breathe a little bit. Enjoy the smelling the roses.

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