When Pigs Fly. The Time is Now! - March 31, 2020

When Pigs Fly. The Time is Now!

By, Michael Earnshaw

March 31, 2020

@EduChefEarnshaw

I think it’s safe to say that the World has been thrown out of their comfort zone. It’s been weeks now where what we considered our “daily lives” is long gone, and there doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the graffiti decorated tunnel. Many are working from home. Those that are still working have extremely different conditions, or even roles and tasks than what they were expecting when hired on. Schools are closed across our country and teachers, students, and parents and guardians are tasked with delivering instruction and keeping a loving relationship going. Streets are empty, store shelves barren, and many of us have not had any face to face contact with anyone else than those we reside with. Many of us can’t even see the border of our comfort zone anymore.

This blog is not going to focus on the dreary world many of us are now stuck in. Instead, I want us to look at the gift that this pandemic has granted almost all of us with. Yes, you read that right. There is a silver lining in all of this and we have much to be grateful for. Too many times have I heard individuals utter the phrase, “I don’t have the time.” This phrase usually comes after a discussion about taking care of or doing something for ourselves or learning a new skill.

Guess what, we now can no longer say, “I don’t have the time.”

With “Social Distancing” in effect for what seems like an ever moving target, we have more time than ever imaginable. 

Yes, many of us have our own kids at home that we need to assist and guide through “ELearning” or “Remote Learning”. We are holding “Office Hours” while we work from home. Let’s be honest and realistic. Do you still only have the same amount of time for yourself as you did back in February? I’m going to bet that the answer is “No.”

We’re already out of our comfort zone. We now have that time that we always claimed was missing. Now is the perfect time to do those things that you’ve always wanted to do. Those passion projects, the skill, a new habit or hobby, connecting with that loved one you haven’t spoken to in months or years, Hell, putting down the phone and connecting with those in your own home! Now is the time to do what we have not been doing but knew we should be.

Been wanting to get in better shape, be healthier? You’re more than likely cooking at home a lot more than before. Prepare healthy meals for you and the family. Need fresh air after being locked in the home for hours on end? Set aside time to go for a walk every day. Set a time goal, 30 minutes, or a mile goal. You’ve wanted to run that 5K or Half-Marathon? Dust off those running shoes and start training. You don’t need a race scheduled, you’re doing it for yourself anyways! Those dumbbells that are currently used as door stoppers when you open the windows on a beautiful Spring day, take them in the garage and follow one of the FREE workouts being offered by almost every fitness organization out there. Don’t know where to start? Ask me, I’m more than happy to help guide you.

Have some thoughts or ideas you’ve wanted to share with the world? Start blogging, podcasting, vlogging, or all of them! The tools are out there and they cost literally nothing. I have not once paid for any of my blogs to be posted or our podcasts shared. You have the time to learn and guess what, the world, your audience, has the time to read and listen. Speak your mind, share your thoughts. I guarantee that there are others that are thinking it but like you, are afraid to speak it. What is there to lose? Things are different, do something different that you’ve wanted to.

Do you feel your lessons for students have gotten boring and stale, lost their luster? Get connected on social media. There’s Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, where you can see the amazing lessons others around the world have provided for their students. These are the lessons you’ve been dreaming of doing. While you’re checking out their page don’t just take your own notes and assumptions, send them a DM, ask a question. I guarantee they are dying to connect with others and have conversations about their passions and bring a little normalcy to their lives. They would love to reminisce and share the story of how the smiles and laughter their students brought to fill the classroom during that activity you dream of doing with your students.

The time is now. Don’t look at this shelter in place period as a time to seclude yourself off from the world. Better yourself, expand your mind, spirit and soul. Work towards those secret goals you’ve kept putting off but always knew you needed to do. There is literally an app for EVERYTHING! Search what you want, it’s out there. If it isn’t, search a hashtag on social media and you’ll find someone. Ask. Now’s the time to learn, expand, and connect.

Imagine our world, when all of this is lifted, and we return to our “normal” the difference this world will be if we take advantage of this gift of time we’ve been given and improve our lives. Imagine how much better this world will be when we return to it and have bettered ourselves.

It’s only when we take care of ourselves that we’re any benefit to those we serve. The time is now!