Ted's Talk: Opening Up!
Greetings!
It has been a while since I last wrote to you, and a lot has happened since my last “Ted Talk”. For the past 15 months, the pandemic has weighed heavily and impacted all of us in a number of ways. Not being from, or having any science background, I had no idea or appreciation for how destructive a virus could be – but I do now. Let’s hope positive developments in our local communities and country will continue in the right direction, and I pray the downward trend in cases, deaths, and hospitalizations from the virus continues, and the limitations on our lives are lifted so we can return to a new normal this year.
I marvel at how adaptive humans can be in the face of what seemed to be insurmountable odds, and how resilient we’ve become in finding a path forward today. In the early stages of the pandemic, I think a lot of us thought the possibility of a vaccine or treatments for the virus were unachievable – but I also think it’s rather remarkable we’ve been able to reach this pinnacle in such a short period of time.
For the most part, I’m proud of people for being responsible for taking steps to slow or stop the spread of the virus through social distancing, mask wearing, isolating when asked to, and other modifications to human interactions and behaviors. Again, I’m not a scientist, and I’m most certainly not a politician. I think it’s wise to leave any disagreements on what’s right, wrong, worked or didn’t work to our medical experts and elected officials.
In so many ways, technology has been vitally important as a platform for us to connect with one another. One thing I did not expect were the benefits of being able to work remotely – something that has surprised me, our staff, and I’m sure you, our clients, in providing a modern work-life balance for our daily routines. Although I appreciate the flexibility technology has offered us, I must be honest in saying I’m tired of the limitations of video conferencing.
There’s no doubt it has helped with being able to see and hear one another, but nothing can replace the human interactions all of us have craved for far too long. In my mind, there is nothing more powerful than being able to have physical and emotional interactions with you all, and the sense of collaboration and belonging that comes with it.
That’s why I’m so happy to be back in Minnesota as life feels like it’s beginning again. I can see, hug, kiss my beautiful grandchildren (our first boy grandchild, Connor, was born in February) and be with my family again without hesitation or restriction.
Earlier this month, we had about half the office actually in the office, and it was great to discuss and laugh together again. It’s indescribable how I feel about being present and interacting with our wonderful team at the office. It’s also a good reminder that while we deal with numbers and concepts every day, a major part of our job is to be a confidant and understand the special relationships and resources we’ve developed with our clients.
It’s my hope you experience a wonderful, refreshing, and recharging summer, and that you’re able to experience many new memories with your families while spending time in the great outdoors of Minnesota. As always, we look forward to being there for you and your families for many years to come.
~ Presented by Ted Smith