This post isn’t really insurance related, though some of you that share the field with us might feel it resonates with you.
It’s just someone reaching out with a helping hand.
Of all we’ve been through in the past year, I think the phrase I’ve come to hate most is “new normal” – it’s as if to say things won’t ever be what they were, and it adds to the general feeling of hopelessness that some of us are already struggling with.
The fact is, before this happened, you were a lot like me. You got up each day, dressed up in your business casual outfit, and you went to an office where you and the rest of your team worked together to reach your goals. You might have had a cube or a desk, but definitely had both personal and common spaces…
And then one day, the whole world went away. You’ve been working at home, alone, for over a year now. Some of you will eventually go back, but for others, this unfortunately *is* a new normal.
I’m here to tell you that that’s ok. As corny as “alone together” sounds, help really is just a phone call away. Many communities have outreach services where you can talk to someone (usually for free). Also, with the weather getting warmer, maybe you can get out and take a walk, see people, do some of the things you used to do. It’s very important to get out – don’t let the four walls close in on you.
I’m sure at some point you’ll have to speak with a coworker or take part in a virtual meeting as well. The point here is to talk to someone when possible, as communication helps too. Don’t let the silence drown everything else out…
My point overall is that you’re not as alone as you think you are, or as alone as you might be feeling after all that’s happened, and you are certainly not forgotten. If you’re working from home, you likely have access to the internet, so if you do feel like you need help, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to look for it. In most cases nobody else even has to know and despite how strong everyone appears to be, believe me, everyone needs some help at some point for one reason or another.
Almost four hundred years ago, John Donne wrote that “No man is an island” and this is still true today.
