Healthy Emergence
What we’ve been awaiting is finally happening: the world is opening up again more safely. Yes, there are still additional vaccinations to be given and more protocols to be proclaimed, but it seems as though we are on a road to recovery and reentry.
For many, this is a welcome occurrence (hello extroverts!). For others, this comes with some concerns: How do I know this person/place is safe? How might I protect my mental and physical health while dipping my toe into “new normal”? How might I reconnect without depleting my own energy?
For those ready to get back to socializing, working from offices, and generally breathing a bit easier--and without a mask--we offer the tips below:
Meet yourself and others where you/they are: not everyone will be at the same stage or pace with reentry--have empathy, compassion and patience.
Assess what you miss or want to regain as well as new norms to incorporate: it’s a great time for the SSCM exercise--what do you want to START, STOP, CONTINUE and MODIFY as you think about the future.
Start small and give yourself and others space: a journey is taken one step at a time--give reasonable time and space (literally and figuratively) for changes to occur and comfort to come.
Talk to your friends/family/coworkers/managers to set expectations, parameters and timelines: communication, collaboration and consensus will be key--be honest with yourself about what you need and what you can give/do and share with/learn from others.
Build mindfulness and intention into your reentry: SSCM can help, as can meditation or setting specific daily intentions--be sure to include self-checks along the way to ensure you are not overdoing it yourself or asking too much of others.
And a note to employers: not all employees will be ready to re-engage in the same way along the same timeframe. Build in flexibility and be compassionate when setting new expectations, accountabilities, protocols and timelines.
We all--individuals and collective communities/organizations--have a great opportunity to re-engage in meaningful ways that can serve us well long into the future. Let’s be courageous, kind and intentional about it all.
If you are struggling with how to re-engage with society yourself or if your organization needs help redesigning what it means and how it feels to work there as pandemic limitations lift, Core Endeavors can help! Personal transition and organizational design are our areas of passion and expertise. Reach out to learn more--we’d love to help you go from what’s now to what’s next™.
Be well,
Amy and Holly
