Random Pandemic Rambling

It’s been a year since my last blog post, and I’m shocked at how much time has passed. Writing has been happening in the background, but it feels like it’s time to fire up the digital pen again. Reflecting on the past twelve months, I’m starting my reconciliation process—kicking it off with random rambling.

We’ve all gone through phases where life felt like one roller coaster ride after another. Personally, I can’t stand roller coasters (they make me sick), but Michella (my wife) and I have been healthy and fully vaccinated, still masking up until we feel more comfortable in larger groups where everyone represents themselves as properly vaccinated.

Looking back, this past year was filled with quiet moments and big aspirations—projects, tasks, new learnings, and ideas that were just seedlings. Many of those didn’t quite sprout. I’ve gone back and forth with that inner dialogue of “What’s your problem?” But the truth is, I’ve accomplished a ton. All the important priorities for this year of transition and change got done, more or less. The angst I’ve been feeling comes from clearing out distractions, which created room for more profound emotional, spiritual, and physical work. In a way, we’ve all been searching for silver linings from this messy year.

Next Chapters

Michella and I moved across the country last year. The planning for our big relocation westward started just after the first case of COVID-19 was reported in December 2019. Little did we know that 18 months later, over 33 million U.S. cases would be confirmed, with more than 575,000 deaths. It’s been the most change-filled and memorable year of my life.

We were among the 15.9 million people who moved during the first six months of the pandemic. Like many, we faced delays—our planned housing didn’t work out, so we had to store everything for a few months. Eventually, we got settled in the home we had arranged, pulled all our stuff out of storage, and carried on with life. We reorganized our priorities, embraced the unknowns, and managed expectations as best as we could, but it certainly took a toll.

Living, Selling, & Working Remote

I’m living a "somewhat routine," though this past year has blurred the lines. Each day, I make it a point to meditate morning and night to help separate work from personal life. I’m not big on breakfast, but Michella’s homemade yogurt and granola have become a staple several times a week. Meals have taken on more significance in this fully remote existence—without the daily "stops and starts," the old boundaries have melted away.

This spring, I made a new goal to kick off each workday with some personal writing—working on two books in progress before diving into emails, meetings, or projects. It’s hit or miss, but it’s been helping me establish a clearer start to the day.

My typical workday looks something like this:

• Emails

• Salesforce updates

• Zoom/Teams/Webex/Slack meetings

• Webinars, sales, and product training

• Reading and research

• Proposal development

• Tracking down people I need to move things forward

Like everyone else, I have good days and bad. Some days are filled with inspiration; others feel like a grind. The lack of travel and in-person meetings has shifted the nature of my work. What used to be prep for meetings or trips has now become a more constant "always on" state. The roller coaster in my head is still there, but I’ve come to understand it better—maybe embracing the ride is key. One thing I do know is that I want to help others more and ask for help when I need it.

Connections

I’ll admit that I’ve been missing those personal connections a lot. Even passing interactions with strangers feel like a treat now. I try to say "hi" to people and ask how their day is going—because, at the end of the day, we’re all doing our best in this big old world. To fill the gap, I’ve taken up new activities like creative day trips and watching foreign films, which require reading subtitles—something we always talked about but never did before our pandemic bubble. #SilverLining

I’ve also started reconnecting with a few important people I had drifted apart from over the last few years. No one’s to blame; it’s just life—career changes, shifting priorities, getting married. I’m making it a point to rebuild those connections.

Global Loss

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the immense loss and trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. So many lives have been touched by the virus, mental health struggles, and the surge in overdoses. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced loss. Thankfully, kindness and science are winning over hyperbole in this ongoing fight.

Until next time—be kind, do good, and take care of yourselves and others.

-Bryan