By Carol Lasek, CLU, CHFC - Partner Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC
“I wanna wear my sandals…I wanna go out to lunch…I wanna be NORMAL again!”
This famous line from the 1980 movie, Private Benjamin, starring Goldie Hawn, is so 2020.
Normal is my new nemesis. I long for the carefree days when I could run to the grocery store without checking my purse for a mask and gloves. I miss Friday night dinners with friends, Saturday night movie popcorn and regularly visiting my kids.
But through the process of sheltering in place and social distancing, with all the inconveniences and uncertainties, I have discovered an appreciation for the new normal.
Let’s use cooking as an example. I used to find it stressful and complicated. Now I’ve discovered a few basic recipes and have learned to enjoy the benefits of leftovers. Restaurants will definitely be back on my radar once we have the green light, but I just may continue my journey through the Joy of Cooking.
I’ve also learned how our time is the most valuable gift we can give our children and grandchildren. While we often stress about buying them the perfect present, my grandchildren have shown me the importance of creating memories together. Whether it is reading to my grandkids on Zoom or teaching them the art of gardening, I now realize how much the minutes matter.
I also have a newfound appreciation for Zoom as an alternative to in-office meetings. As a baby boomer, my preference has always been personal contact. But I have mastered the art of alternative ways to connect and have learned how our Zoom professional background speaks volumes.
But most of all, I have learned life is precious. Perhaps this year, as we celebrate Rosh Hashana, we show our newfound respect for good health by reversing our traditional greeting from wishing everyone “a happy and healthy new year” to “a healthy and happy” one. May we be privileged to enjoy both and embrace our new normal in 5781. Shana Tova to all.
CRN202104-271115
