People are trying to get out of the house for just a little bit each day amidst the mandated social distancing. Especially difficult is to try to get some exercise with all the fitness centers, gyms, and pools closed down. Some people are just choosing to go for a walk around the track or get in a quick workout with a few friends or family members. Can we be normal when everything is abnormal? ;-) (Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)
This was sort of a funny scene in a project meeting. One person describing the challenges at one point, spontaneously and dramatically motions to take a knife and slit both wrists. This absolutely got people's attention. Understanding the struggles the person was expressing, and trying to add a little lightheartedness to the situation, I say: "This is a tough project, pass around the knife." This got a good hearty laugh around the table, with one person saying that this was the quote of the day. Anyway, we want to make operations as effortless as possible on people, but the project work to get there is definitely making people work for it. Let's avoid project or people suicide--be supportive of each other, pace ourselves, team together, and problem-solve to get it successfully over the finish line. Soon we can celebrate all the challenges we overcame together and from our determined efforts, all the wonderful results. ;-) (Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
So someone reminded me about stress and pressure in life. They said:
Pressure makes diamonds.
Diamonds are of the most beautiful and precious items in the world that we give to our loved ones as a symbol of our tremendous love for them. Diamonds are crystals made of pure carbon that formed under high temperature and extreme pressure. People too are often under extreme pressure in life from all sorts of demands and challenges whether it be work, family, threats, or illness. But just like from pressure comes diamonds, so too can pressure make us from rough and imperfect human beings into smooth, polished, and spectacular people. Rather than crack under pressure, we need to cope with it and let it strengthen us and shape us to be the gems we can be. ;-) (Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
I loved this from a colleague the other day. When things got a little tough in the office, I came in the next day to 6 smiley faces lined up on my desk. This is something that I really appreciate from some people: Their HUMANITY. Even though my colleague faced the same tough day, she was thoughtful of others and the impact on them (not herself). There are some amazing people out there, and I thank G-d for putting them in my orbit. ;-) (Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Thought this was incredible. Someone opened up a "Rage Room" in Maryland. I know the atmosphere in D.C. is polarized and sort of toxic lately, and there is lot's of identity politics, obstruction, and even people hating on each other, but this really shows how things have degenerated. And let's face it, it's not just the politics that people are stressed out about--how about stress from family, work, and bills. We're on 24/7 these days and a lot of stress can build up in people that way. But now, people can actually pay money to go to into a room, wrap themselves in safety clothing, and spend their time smashing things. Almost like when they put crazy people in a padded room in a straight jacket and let them hit their heads against the wall for a while. In the Rage Room: You can break 10 glass items for just $25! Or throw in a medium printer in the starter pack and it's $35. You can even BYOB (Bring Your Own Breakables) and have at it for $15. Group packages and even gift cards are available. Fun maybe, a little crazy for sure. ;-)
So what happens to most of us when we experience the stresses, disappointments, and conflicts in life? We feel... - Angst - Anger - Upset - Frustrated - Murderous at times We even question, "Why me?" But none of this helps. In fact, it just makes things worse. Because we compound our life challenges with more problems in how we react! What should we do instead? The key is to remain calm, cool, collected, and composed. Don't get rattled, disjointed, and out of whack over anything or anybody. These are all tests in life. They are all fleeting. G-d is watching us and seeing if we have faith in him. When you remember the creator and sustainer of all life then you can rise above the adversity before you. Go beyond the superficial. Experience the world beyond the earthly bounds of time and space. See the larger picture. Breath deeply...a sigh of relief. There is nothing to be upset about that G-d can't make right for you. Face the challenges with a clear head, a brave heart, and follow your conscience. Act with determination to speak out and right the wrongs you encounter. Remember, you are one with G-d and the universe, and all will be for the good. ;-) (Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Andy Blumenthal is Deputy Program Director at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Blumenthal is a dynamic, award-winning leader with over 35 years of experience delivering results across the public and private sectors. All opinions are his own.
