Who will we be after the pandemic is over?

"Who will we be when all of this is over?" is the question that keeps on popping up in my mind since this virus appeared. As our reality has been altered and our routines have come to a halt, I can't help but wonder how our society, our communities and all of humanity will be impacted by this global invisible enemy we all face today.

Kisses, hugs and hand shakes are forgotten and as parents, wives, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends we think twice before engaging in this type of physical interaction. As a mother myself, the simple thought of embracing my daughters and kissing them goodnight is frightening, as I fear I might be sick and could spread the illnesses to my oldest who suffers from chronic asthma.

Now we are all isolated, but at the same time we are together. Somehow egos have minimized as we care more about the well being of others than our own, and we have a heightened awareness of our responsibility to mitigate the spread of this virus.

Everything has stopped, and it has forced us to understand what really matters and what is most important. Our health, our families, the health of our country and our economy, our spirituality and alignment with our purpose. The importance of science and health care, over economic affairs and political agendas.

They have cancelled sports events, concerts and conferences. They've closed restaurants, theaters and cafes. Your usual Starbucks afternoon break is now replaced with a drive-thru only option (if that).

However, now we gather around the dining room table to enjoy dinner as a family and watch movies in the living room. Home school our children, manage our teams or do our work virtually from our living rooms. Set up "virtual coffee chats" with groups of friends in Zoom to create a sense of community and connect with those we might've lost contact with. Don't forget our pets who have never been happier, to go out for extra walks, get extra treats or hang out with their owners as they work from home and get to see them more than ever before.

As humans we have become more aware of how we contaminate our world. How a small innocent act such as not washing our hands, or touching our faces can spread a virus that has infected thousands and has spread over 140 countries.

This virus will make us better, as we will all begin at zero. We will have the opportunity to shift priorities, realign with our purpose and build more meaningful lives.

• Strengthen or rebuild relationships: it is through difficult times that we learn to appreciate and value others, and is never too late to rebuilt a loss friendship or reinvigorate your current relationship.
• Redefine quality time with our families: as a working single mother many years ago, I always struggled with guilt of not been there enough and not having enough time with my children. However, what really matters is the quality and not the quantity of time. In this era of electronics we lack the ability to focus on the person in front of us, instead we are connected to others while multitasking in our phones and missing the real opportunity to be present in the moment. On of my favorite motto's (that is still a work in progress) is "bring all of who you are, where you are".
• Prioritize health and wellness like never before: loosing those extra pounds or getting to the gym never felt more appealing, it is those who are in better physical condition that can weather through a pandemic with minimal impact due to their healthy immune systems.
• Appreciate social interaction and forgo "social distancing" practices (someday soon): I have had an allergic reaction to the term since it began circulation, born and raised in Spanish culture where hugs and kisses are a vital part of our interactions this has been very difficult for me. I am sure some of you can agree that there's noting more comforting that a hug, specially in tough times and the ability to embrace, shakes hands and connect with others face to face.
• Understand the importance of expertise and choose our leaders wisely: in times of crisis and unforeseen events, those that are raising above and guiding us thru wisely are the experts on each particular field. Relaying on people that might not be fit for their roles, have proven to create chaos and uncertainty at a time of crisis. Lets choose wisely.
• Most importantly this experience will have united us as one world, one humanity.

I would love to hear form you...share your thoughts below...

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the healthcare workers at the front of this fight, who do not get to be home with their families so they can protect us and who put their lives on the line so that we can overcome this pandemic. May God protect you and bless you!

#pandemic #coaching #leadership #together #socialdistancing #socialengagement

"Gina Martin is a certified professional coach, retail leader and entrepreneur. For the last 18+ years has held high level positions in specialty and luxury retail such as store director, multi store manager and flagship general manager. Leading teams of over 600+ people and managing over $100+ million business. Gina's passion for building high performing teams, driving sales through excellent customer experience, coaching and mentoring has made her known in the industry. Gina is also a mother of two daughters, an active volunteer and an aspiring writer. Her extraordinary life and career experiences as well as her passion for inspiring and motivating others have inspired her to start her own Executive Life Coaching career and become an Energy Leadership Master Practitioner".

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