Dose of Optimism #9
A lot has changed in the world over the past few weeks. Lives are changing. Business is changing.
Perspectives are changing.
It is hard to overstate how so many of us are seeing things so differently right now. Our appreciation for healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store workers and delivery people has gone up exponentially. We have new perspectives on the value of shelter and the importance of friends and family.
Most of all we have a newfound perspective of what it means to be part of an inter-dependent community.
It’s possible that some of our perspectives on people have changed too, even about those who we might have previously demonized. For example, many people on the ‘right’ who thought that “healthcare for all” and government benefit funding is crazy have new appreciation for the importance of accessible healthcare. Many people on the ‘left’ are gaining a different perspective on leaders like Sheldon Adelson (who has committed to paying ALL of his employees for the next two months, and encouraging others to do the same) and Charles Koch (whose foundation is is partnering with organizations around the country to support vulnerable communities in crisis).
Yes, this moment is radically changing our perspective, and even making it hard to see things in an optimistic light. But push yourself to pause and take a second look. Search for something positive you didn’t see before.
Because that is the kind of vision you, and all of us together, can benefit from.
Here are some perspective changing doses of optimism for your weekend.
Are you paying more attention to what your local and state leaders are saying these days? Have a different perspective on civic leadership? You aren’t alone. The COVID-19 crisis "has really highlighted the importance of state government.... It’s been an opportunity for a new wave of political leaders to step forward — people showing that it’s not just about politics or partisanship, but really about being a public servant.” (via UC Riverside)
Fearful that the current crises seemingly has no solutions? Mark Cuban sees it differently. He believes the entrepreneurial spirit will rise to the challenge. (via CNBC)
Kids learning from home? Doctors seeing patients over the internet? Perspectives on the way education is delivered is rapidly changing and many people see that telemedicine is here to stay. (via Quartz, The Economist)
Here are some great tips from a psychologist on maintaining perspective: hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and, above all, “remember to enjoy the life that you have, the blessings and gifts of each day and the power and opportunity to make a positive difference in the world.” (via NJ Jewish Link)
And you think you are shocked by what’s going on? Imagine the shift in perspective these people had when they returned from their twenty-five day Grand Canyon rafting expedition straight into a pandemic. (via The New York Times)
That’s your daily dose of optimism for the day. Did you enjoy it? Then maybe forward it to your family and friends who also could use a dose of optimism. Have an idea, suggestion or feedback you want to share? Email us here.