• Well, we here in New England are in a drought. That’s my reasoning and justification so I don’t walk around complaining all day. I’m talking about the Nor’Easter that paid us a visit last week, dumping chilly, much-needed rain and snow on our homes and surrounding lands. I needed to get my hair cut so I was far from thrilled, putting on my winter shoes and going outside. “I’m not going to melt! I can do this…!”
• “We can do this!” How many times have I convinced myself of this through each seismic obstacle that blocked my path this year? And I have, even if it wasn’t pretty. Now I just need to convince myself I have what it takes, and continue the march to… whatever comes next. Out of adversity comes opportunity. Since we’ve had so much of the former I know there will be heaps of the latter!
• How many words and phrases are we going to tab to our COVID experience that we’ll never be able to use the same way? “Pivot”. Unprecedented”. “Groundhog Day”. “Fog”.
• The pandemic fog is for real. I’m navigating through a particularly dense patch big time. Sometimes my fingers have no idea what to do! I think it’s important that we’re allowed to be honest. I’m not complaining. Seriously. I am generally feeling pretty fortunate, all things considered (and add that to the All-COVID phrase list!).
• I’ve witnessed firsthand how some of us (myself very much included) are really acting out of sorts sometimes. We’re burnt out, ornery and less tolerant. I think it’s OK to blame the pandemic, but let’s also hold ourselves accountable, own it, and take steps to rectify our behavior. I’m going to be first in line. I’m committed to ratcheting up my levels of sincerity. As overwhelming as some days seem right now I am still committed to the greater good. If there’s a friend in need, I am there. We need to be there for each other, now more than ever.
• The volume of the conversation about the travel and tourism industry appears to have diminished significantly during the past month or so. I did two domestic air tickets this week! But let me tell you, the struggle is real. We’re all scrambling to figure out what we can advise. I am not convinced the world is a safe place to explore today, but we can begin to plan and make reservations for tomorrows. I’m battered and bruised, and now I have to muster up the energy to build my business back better. With your help I can. Thank you
Edited from Tony Maws, Craigie on Main, Cambridge
AlwaysHarriet 