My Random World

LEADERSHIP: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, I’ve been thinking about leadership, and the lack of.  I typically don’t discuss politics, but must reference our current President here because no matter what you may think, he sets the tone.  From the beginning to the end of his presidency, I expect him to behave in a manner that speaks to the inclusivity of all people and not a select few.  And when he can’t find the answers, because not even the most intelligent human has them all, I expect Mr. Trump to seek nonpartisan guidance from those experts who will lead him to successful outcomes, thus becoming a man we can all respect, admire and trust.  SOCIAL MEDIA + DONALD TRUMP = DISASTER.  (Stop living in fear, America!  Seriously research the facts and vote accordingly.) – paerki

COVID-19: If the coronavirus is a test for humanity, we are failing miserably.  But then again, maybe not.  I’m not sure because in the presence of social media, it’s hard to tell what’s fact or fiction.  I do know the spread of misinformation with coronavirus is a real concern because of the conversations I’ve listened in on while traveling on buses and trains, waiting in line at grocery stores and pharmacies, and in patient waiting rooms at the hospital where I work, as well as with patients I see weekly.  The most reliable resources for COVID-19 updates is either the CDC and NIH websites, and JHU – Center for Systems Science and Engineering’s COVID-19 Real Time Tracker. – paerki

JOY: As much as we want to discuss our fears during this difficult time – please, please give equal time to your joys because they are there in abundance.  If you have a family member or friend who is ill from the coronavirus and you choose to take care of him, her or if you’re the average Joe who is concerned about your fellow humans, feeling the heaviness in your heart, mind and soul because the challenges are so great that it makes you pause and reflect, yearning for healing – you my friend, are carrying hope in your heart for recovery, and that’s joy.  Holding true to positive outcomes is joy. – paerki

SOCIAL MEDIA: For those who don’t know, I decided to take a break from social media (as it would appear, I did so at the right time).  My leave of absence was not premeditated, but rather born out of a need for change in dialogue with myself.  I often have these running conversations in my head of how things should be, resulting in anxiety and stress.  I would soon realize, of my own accord, I was not practicing what I often preach – mindfulness and being present in the moment.

I am happy to say I found my way back, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be going full throttle with any particular media platform.  Instead, I’ve decided to delete my Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.  As for Facebook and Instagram, I’ll check in on occasion.  I’ll be a blogger for life.  It’s time for me to get back to what I enjoy most, face-to-face conversations with those individuals who bring beauty to my world, and that I sometimes take for granted.  Well, at least lately.

Enjoying the great outdoors is on my list, too.  I’ve turned my back on Mother Nature, if just a little, because it was a snowless winter (and you know how I feel about that).  Still, how can anyone turn their back on spring?  We’ve had our fair share of rain, so I am anticipating springtime to be beautiful, even in the middle of a pandemic (I am keeping my fingers crossed).  The outdoors is my mental medicine and that’s where you’ll find me.  Practice mindfulness outdoors, dear friends.  You’ll find plenty of rewards.  Nature never lies. – paerki

4-7-8: The amount of mental energy we give to our phones and computers, specifically with social media can be hazardous to our immunity (this is not a projection, but a scientific fact).  Believe it!  I encourage everyone to practice the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique.

Empty your lungs of air.  Breathe in quietly through your nose for 4 seconds.  Hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds.  Exhale forcefully through your mouth, pursing your lips and making a "whoosh" sound, for 8 seconds.  Repeat this sequence up to 4 times.  (Incorporate this technique before beginning your day and before going to bed.  It can be helpful midday, too – especially when dealing with difficult people and intense work demands.) – paerki

Political Correctness: The world has become too PC for me.  On Facebook and other places, people are inclined to write, if you voted for _______________, unfriend me!  If you don’t like _______________, unfriend me!  What is that all about?  Are you that insecure?  Are you unable to debate the issues?  Can’t we agree to disagree?

I know the toxic political climate is real, but I can’t unfriend someone because of their politics, but I do understand hate and prejudice, and I can identify a wolf and sheep’s clothing.  The latter would require unfriending.

My hope is that we can better engage others so that we can discover what we don’t understand.  Too many people live off soundbites without investigating all sides in order to reveal the truth.  Political correctness as intimidation is a deal breaker. – paerki