I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.
Today’s tip is to be a realistic optimist. See life as it is, but focus on the good.
This is something I’m writing while in Belgium, earlier this week. I am optimistic in life, even as the world struggles in different ways with the pandemic. We are still moving through this, with various places and organizations trying to find ways to cope.
I am at the first live technical conference I’ve been to in nearly two years. The event is following the local guidance in Mechelen in Belgium. Things have changed a bit since I submitted and was accepted to the event, and the conference was still viable as the date approached. My travels were fairly smooth, and I think, fairly safe. I know there are still challenges, there are people with different levels of comfort with crowds and greetings, and I respect their thoughts.
From what I see, most people I’ve encountered in Chicago, London, Brussels, and Mechelen just adjust to the rules and how others feel. If someone asks for space, or requests a mask, wants an elbow bump, or is happy to shake hands, others oblige. That gives me hope and optimism for how we will grow and interact in the future.
I also know that there are still risks involved, especially for unvaccinated people. This event is live, but not hybrid, which inherently cuts out some people that might not be able to attend or be concerned about health. There is a risk of spreading COVID 19, though everyone is supposed to be vaccinated or taking precautions. Travelers were tested coming into Belgium, which may or may not be 100% accurate.
That’s the world. It’s reality. There is a balance of risk, precaution, reward, restrictions, and life that need to be weighed, but I am confident that most people are making good decisions and complying with the rules.