How to feel connected, when we feel so far apart.

It has been a challenging few weeks, I want to believe that the end is in sight, but realistically we need to rough this out, for the sake of the greater good, for a little while longer. We’re all adjusting to new patterns and routines, and work environments. With every challenge, we have opportunities, and right now, we have the opportunity to become more connected, more empathetic, and more flexible. Here are five suggestions for feeling more connected when we’re all far apart: 1. Check-in with friends and family – many of us are in self-quarantine with partners or children (deep breath), but others are alone. Try and stay connected with others; we’re all dealing with tough and new situations. One phone call can change someone’s day, pause reading this blog now, and pick up the phone. We’ll still be here when you’re done. 2. Check-in with yourself. It’s ok not to be ok. If you need to cry, then cry. You don’t need to be strong all the time. Even better, let others know you’re not ok; maybe they need to feel less alone in all of this overwhelm. 3. At the beginning of this challenge, I became very overwhelmed. I read every article, watched every press conference, and read every social media post. Now, I’m limiting myself to check the news in the morning, and at night, I needed some distance. You can turn off the story; you can catch the highlights later. I’ve even challenged myself when talking to others, to focus on “normal” stuff, not headlines. Re-focusing conversations on normal “stuff” can help you feel more connected. Try reaching out to a grandparent in your life, and ask them to tell you a story about your family history, work on a virtual family tree together, ask questions, and get genuinely engaged in those you connect with. 4. Check-in with your clients, both former and current; let them know you’re thinking of them on a personal level. Take this time to call a client and connect with them personally. It’s not about the “sale,” it’s about the relationship. 5. Switch your phone calls to video calls when you can. There’s nothing like a friendly face to brighten your day, and it encourages you to get out of your pj’s and into work attire. This may be “normal” for a while yet, find a routine that works, and try to get back into it. I’m ever the optimist, and what I find overwhelmingly to be true, is in this time of distancing, we’re reminded how connected we are. We are, globally, united in one common goal; and we are, globally, united in one common struggle. Remember these times, not for the challenges that have been presented in our lives, but as a time when we were reminded to be empathetic in our relationships with others, and when we put the health and safety of others as a priority, by staying home. Let’s put our politics aside and bring hope and opportunity to the table. Most of all, if you’re struggling in adapting to this new normal, ask for help! By Peggy Murrah, Founder of PMA Web Services