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 focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
If the pandemic of the last two years has taught us anything, it’s that we need to adapt to a changing and uncertain world. We have to be malleable as the rules, restrictions, and requirements of life could be different today from yesterday. Or even from place to place today.
I’ve been lucky that I am healthy, I survived COVID twice, and I had the opportunity to travel. I have been happy to wear masks when required, or even when asked. I’ve put one one to accommodate others and make them feel safer. I don’t like masks, but I also don’t think it’s that much of a hassle to wear one.
I traveled to LA recently, just as the mask rules in US airports and airplanes were removed. I flew to LA without a mask, being on a plane for the first time in two years without my goatee itching from a face covering. A day later, as I returned to LAX, there was a mask restriction in place in the airport. I’ve gotten used to carrying them, so I put one on.
It’s easy to be annoyed by the changes, but for me, I was glad that I was able to travel and visit a place I enjoy going and see people I enjoy spending time with. I was ready to wear a mask on the plane, not really worrying or thinking about that. Instead, I was glad that I’d get to take off over the ocean and fly back across LA, seeing familiar and new sights.
Be positive and look forward when you can. It makes life much more enjoyable.