The definition of vulnerability is the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. That pretty well sums up where we are globally right now. The fear of the unknown impacts with Coronavirus is changing the world right now. What we have seen or heard from others is playing on our vulnerabilities to an extent that none of us would have expected a few months ago.
Viktor Frankl, holocaust survivor said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” We can’t control what is happening right now other than to stay home to try and minimize the spread of the virus. We can look to ourselves and see what positives we can take from this experience. When you change how you look at things it can bring a new perspective into your thinking.
This article by Niklas Göke that I saw yesterday helped me look at the situation differently. Focusing on the positives of increasing connection and having more time to think struck me as so important right now. Everyone needs some sort of connection while we are working remotely and especially for those of us with children home full time again. It is an adjustment for everyone.
I talk to leaders every day to see what they can do to find more time to think. Taking the time to think allows for more creativity. As unfortunate as this situation is, it is creating that time now. You can choose what to do with it. What is on your to-do list? What problem do you need to solve? What challenge are you stuck on? What book have you been meaning to read?
What is happening right now is out of our control and that feels scary. It creates the vulnerable feelings that we are struggling with as we navigate these changes. Brene Brown says, “Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.” This is an opportunity to lean into the vulnerability and build more connections with the people in our lives.