Five things 2020

Today is the 111^th day since the state of disaster was declared in South Africa. Like many I’ve have ups and downs. Like many I am fearful for South Africa’s future. I do not have any faith that our government will do the right things to stimulate growth, increase employment and generally work for the betterment of all South Africans. Is it because they are either incapable or they do not have the will. I don’t know. Perhaps a bit of both. Anyway, this not is not about our government but about me and what I am calling my “five things”.

So each of my five things has a further five things within and they all relate to my experience since the announcement of the state of disaster and our various phases of lockdown. In doing this exercise I also refer to my personal vision which I review each year to confirm whether or not my priorities have changed.

My Five Thing

1. What I’ve lost.
2. What I’ve gained.
3. What I confirmed.
4. What I’ve learnt.
5. My strongest emotions.

1.       What I’ve lost

·       Freedom.

-  This process has definitely made my world smaller. I am simply unable to do so many things I like doing and think about doing.

- A degree of stress. Along with the loss of freedom comes the arrival of new boundaries. I can choose to fight these or simply accept them. By choosing to accept a boundary, the stress of striving for my freedom goes. I realise that I cannot control so much of what is going on and therefore fighting to change  is futile.

- A degree of fear.I have chosen to believe that “me and mine” will be okay and that I can do very little about our fate at this time. “Me and mine” refers to myself and those close to me – my family and friends.

- Engaging with a diverse selection of people frequently and regularly.

·       Business revenues.

·       A degree of purpose.

- Running the business, consulting and looking for new work gives me a sense of purpose.

·       Confidence and trust in the South African government ability and motive.

2.       What I’ve gained.

·       Personal confidence in my own ability to manage what I think and feel.

·       Respect for the medical fraternity and medical science.

·       I got to know my son’s girlfriend in a way that would never have happened in a “normal” environment as they lived with us for 2 months

·       Breakfast with Laura on our patio. Each morning we sit, have a coffee, some breakie and chat. Often the sun streams in but often its miserable outside. Both weather conditions offer equally inspiring times.

·       Excitement for Andrew about his career brought on by a movie launch he worked on.

3.       What I confirmed.

·       Laura and family are the most important people in my world.

·       I am an extravert. I am gregarious and need to engage with a wide range of people.

·       The importance of science and truth to the world and to me.

·       I need freedom and to feel that I am moving towards something. We simply can’t plan (business or personal) at this time

·       Regular and vigorous exercise is vital for me.

4.       What I’ve learnt.

·       How many people care for me.

·       I enjoy writing about my thoughts and experiences.

·       I am a very lucky person.

·       Appreciation for good health and fitness.

·       The extent of American political tribalism and poor leadership has exceeded my worst perceptions.

5.       My strongest emotions

1.       Gratitude.

2.       Feeling cared for and loved.

3.       Overwhelmed by the support provided by people and the abuse of vulnerability by some in our world at this time.

4.       Uncertainty and a little fear for the future

5.       Disappointment in the president and anger at our government’s ineptitude and my perception of their motives

 

Perhaps you may like to think of your five things. I’d be very interested in what your five things are, if you chose to share them with me.