Staying Positive Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
Life as we know it might not be the same as it was just a few weeks ago. Major events have been canceled; most people are either panicked because they have to go out, or suffering cabin fever because they know they shouldn’t. Coronavirus is impacting us all in one way or another.
Once again, your attitude can have a major effect on your experience. If you are a Panicked Pam or a Worried Walter, you might be at greater risk of contracting the virus. Think about it. Who is more likely to rush to the store with crowds of other like-minded people, wait in lines, run to the doctor with the first sniffle and sit in a waiting room with really sick people? Panicked Pam and Worried Walter, that’s who! Guess who gets sick first?
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be concerned. This is a deadly virus to many who are vulnerable. I just think it’s better to take precautions, stay home to the point of self-denial, and find something else to focus on. Get outside and take in some fresh air. At least this is hitting us when the potential for cold weather is diminishing. Take on that cleanout project you’ve been putting off. Document your affairs (wink, wink) in case the virus does get you. 🙂 Sort through those photographs that the next generation won’t want. Organize your music collection or playlists. Order a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle from Amazon; (aren’t they making out right now)!
The stock market is another source of concern. We’ve seen our portfolios decline, some significantly. In times like this, there are winners and losers. Some companies will react quickly and put in place alternate ways of serving their customers and maintaining their income streams. Others won’t be able to do that. Eventually, the market will figure out where the money should go and rebound will happen. After every period of loss comes a lot of opportunity. The best thing you can do is have an advisor who can set you up with strategies for riding out the storm.
Above all, have faith that you and yours will come through this, and stay positive. You’ll be amazed at how much happier you will be.
RESOURCES
CDC – Coronavirus Page
Your Health Insurance Company – search for your insurance company’s name and coronavirus
e.g. “United Healthcare coronavirus”
to find out what to do and where to go if you get sick.
State Information:
DE Division of Public Health 1-866-408-1899
PA Dept of Health 1-877-724-3258
MD Dept of Health Call local health dept. or 2-1-1
NJ Dept of Health 1-800-962-1253 or 2-1-1
AT PAPER TIGRESS
It’s not quite ‘life as usual’ here either. I miss seeing clients on a regular basis. Those in health care facilities received a supply of mailers and postage to send any mail I need to handle. I am not seeing clients at all in-person. Fortunately, most work can be continued by using technology to talk, exchange documents, access accounts, and store things for later. Even the courts are processing estates electronically, by appointment only. If technology doesn’t work for my clients, the mail works just fine (albeit slower and more costly). I wear gloves in the Post Office and the grocery store, and my spaces have never been so sanitized!
This week I’ll be celebrating my birthday! It will be a rather quiet celebration, but it will be a chance to support a local restaurant by ordering take-out. My heart goes out to those who are struggling to survive, trying to home-school kids while working, and especially those suffering from this awful plague. I encourage those who don’t need the proposed government pay-out to #PayItForward and share at least 10% with others who need it more.