It's Crazy Out There

 

 

 

“Look, we're living in a crazy time right now. There's a lot of craziness going on in the world and in the United States in particular.” Mike Jackson  (retired British officer)

We are at the end of one of the craziest years in my lifetime. A business acronym describes the confusion of the past year. 

           ·      V = Volatility: the nature and dynamics of change, and the nature and speed of change                 forces and change catalysts.

·      U = Uncertainty: the lack of predictability, the prospects for surprise, and the sense of awareness and understanding of issues and events.

·    C = Complexity: the multiplex of forces, the confounding of issues, no cause-and-effect chain and confusion that surrounds organization.

·   A = Ambiguity: the haziness of reality, the potential for misreads, and the mixed meanings of conditions; cause-and-effect confusion.

Volatility is the hallmark word for the past year. Locked down and locked up. From losing our business to taking travel off our bucket list for our 25^th anniversary, life has changed dramatically.  Like many other Senior Adults, we have struggled with a longing to spend time with grandkids and meet with friends for lunch.

Uncertainty has ruled as we have listened to the television talking heads telling us what we can and cannot do. Should we wear masks, go to church, avoid the grocery store? These are real concerns that seniors face each day. We have chosen to be pretty liberal when it comes to getting out and going places such as the grocery store and church. We have faithfully worn masks to protect ourselves and others.

Confusion at times has prevailed.  We chose to do a couple of upgrades to the house and as a result, confusion set in.  Contractors, with few English skills, caused nerve jangling days that made us long for peace and quiet.

Ambiguity is around every corner. Should I call the doctor or do a virtual visit? When will I be able to visit that friend in the hospital? Two of our brothers-in-law died in the past month and we decided not to go to the funerals because Charles had not received his vaccine.  After Easter we will leave our comfort zones and travel to Louisiana and Florida to spend time with our sisters.

As we move into a new year, free from the constrictions of the past, we will seek a new acronym.

• V — Vision
• U — Understanding
• C —  Clarity
• A —  Agility   (not so sure about this one)

We have signed a self-publishing book contract and will devote much of our time to getting Chasing a Whirlwind published and promoted. Never a dull moment around here. 

A recent edition of USA Today interviewed senior adults about their plans. A common comment was heard.  “I don’t want to be the one who gives it to people” “I won’t eat out or fly until herd immunity arrives.”   Late spring into early fall seems to be the timeline for the US to develop herd immunity and for most seniors to resume their previous activities. Maybe we all can have hot dogs in our yard by July 4^th.

May God bless you as you move into new ventures and catch up with old activities in the remaining months of 2021.