Recalculating Our Routes
My wife and I recently took a road trip, and because we had some extra time and were in no hurry to get to our destination, we turned to Google Maps to help us chart some less traveled and more scenic routes. Several times we spontaneously made changes to our route, or we missed a turn we were supposed to make, and each of these times, we received a friendly message that the app was “recalculating our route.”
I have read several stories recently about “the great resignation” that is currently happening in America’s workforce. The articles described how many people have resigned from their jobs during the pandemic, and their life is taking a new direction. While there are a variety of reasons that people are leaving their jobs, one clear theme is that people are choosing not to return to the kind of pace, or balance, or unsatisfactory working conditions that they had before the pandemic. One subgroup within the larger population that is not returning to their jobs is older workers who have chosen to retire rather than return to their previous employment. And of course, many have lost their jobs and have no choice but to find a new direction for their work.
All of this has me thinking that this time of “the great resignation” is really a time of “the great recalculation.” Many of us are recalculating our routes, some by choice, some by necessity. As awful as the pandemic has been, perhaps one benefit that has come from it is that it has given many people the opportunity to rethink their lives. People are now wondering what parts of their lives they wish to return to and which parts they do not.
I love that the Google Maps voice is always so calm and patient when I miss a turn. There is never a hint of judgment or criticism. Perhaps we can all keep that voice in mind as a model for our inner voice when we find ourselves making changes in our lives. May we be as calm and patient with ourselves and others when it comes to recalculating the routes, routines, and relationships in our lives, many of which have been dramatically changed over the last year and a half.
Making It Personal. These prompts are offered to help you reflect on how you might apply the content of this week's column to your own life. You might write your responses to them in a journal, discuss them with someone else or in a group, or simply take a few moments to reflect on your responses.
Has the pandemic caused you to recalculate some aspect of your life?
If so, what has been the tone of your inner voice as you have been making changes in your life?
Do you know someone who is working to reroute their life right now and could use your compassion and support? If so, what might you do to offer your support?