New Beginnings

Conventional wisdom would dictate me to write something about safety involving COVID-19. Although providing those resources is important, I wanted to write about something equally as important, although perhaps more unorthodox for the safety guy: I want to talk about New Beginnings.

We are already in the month of April, and it seems like the last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions and unknowns. We are in a fluid situation that changes day by day. As a glass-half-full person, I try to focus on the positives in life. We are in one of my favorite times of year: Spring! 

The grass is starting to turn green, the birds are singing, and (depending on your motivation) you may have had the opportunity to get a jump on the leaves in your yard or start on that list of chores you wrote out during the cold winter months.

When we look back on this time (hopefully sooner rather than later), we will have a newfound appreciation of not only what we have in our lives, but that we are survivors. This is when a new beginning has an opportunity to arise. 

Being cooped up in the house with our family is not an ideal situation, but it has given us the opportunity to reinforce familial strength. Being home alone for many is isolating, but it has also pushed us to connect in ways we never have before virtually. We now have more opportunities to reach out to our loved ones, to ask how their day was, or to sit down for dinner together at the same time. It's not always easy during our busy lives to touch base with loved ones, in fact, many times we forget.

This crisis has given way for us to reflect on providing a positive atmosphere for ourselves and others. For those of you who have a good atmosphere and attitude going for you at home, kudos to you and keep up the good work! For those of us looking to improve our atmosphere during the stay-at-home order, this is an opportunity to rise to the occasion and change our lives for the better. 

My advice to you during  this unpredictable time is:

• • • • • Let's live every day to the fullest
        • Let's treat everyone with kindness and respect
        • Let's love our family and friends
        • Don't sweat the small stuff

Take care!