I have book club tonight and since it’s March I’m preparing an Irish menu - mainly because I want the leftovers. I’m making Irish stew (with beef and bacon - traditionally it’s made with sheep but that is not happening), corned beef and cabbage (because Costco had these massive corned beef briskets and I was up for the challenge) and Reuben dip (because dip is good .. whatever dip .. it’s always good). I look forward to March every year; it's safe to say it’s my favorite month. It is the month of beginnings. It might snow, but it’s not like snow in October - it’ll be gone soon. I look at this month as the calm after the storm.
With the “new beginnings” perspective — I’m trying to reflect on life and see it with a different set of lens. It was three years ago this month that the world changed. THE WORLD. Changed. I think back on my heroes in the hospital and how they/we persevered. How we grew as a family and as an organization. I think I’m far enough away from the worst of the pandemic to get an idea of how I changed as a person and as leader, friend, brother, uncle … etc.
I’ve always been intrigued with the concept of empathy. To share and understand the feelings of another is a good trait indeed, but it can go south if you feel too much. If someone else’s anxiety or depression becomes yours - you’ve taken it a bit too far. These past couple of years have been extremely stressful and highly charged with emotions. It would be almost impossible not to assume some of the emotions.
But … as I look around, for the most part, I’m all right. And for the most part, people and organizations I love and care about are all right. Can I get mad and emotional about “stuff” — yes, but will it make a difference? Perhaps instead - I give thanks for the experience of the past 3 years and the wisdom that I have gained and look to "the calm after the storm". Maybe my different lens is one of new beginnings and a fresh perspective.
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand”
