A day in the life of Rob – A new normal and focusing on relationships.

By Rob Garza, Digital Print Consultant at MEDiAHEAD

What interesting new challenges we’re facing. For me, meeting current clients and prospective clients virtually is challenging. And that will likely continue. But I’ve learned from past experiences that I like new challenges. No, I won’t be training for an Ironman or bodybuilding event… but the time at home is an opportunity to improve our lives. I’m going to dust off my drawing tablet (from a previous life in design) and try some new recipes in the kitchen with my daughter.

Like many, I’ve been working from home for the past couple of months. I’ve had to find new ways to help others, not only in business but for my friends and family who are all in the same boat. The quote I mentioned in my last blog was “We’re all in this together”. This applies not only to work, but family and others you’re close to.

Hollis Renewal Center in Kansas City, Kansas

Recently, I was at the Hollis Renewal Center. It’s a quiet place I like to go to unplug. I stay at one of their cabins with limited phone service and no TVs. You’re surrounded by wildlife, hiking trails and nature. I took my daughter, her fiancé and other loved ones. Though we are family, we’re also a health care provider, an HVAC essential worker, an educator and a student. One doesn’t always think about that when getting together with family. But this year was different. Conversations focused on how they’re coping with each day, how they see new patients, new protocols to follow, and new restrictions when you have to enter a house or place of business.

At Home

Kids are learning through workbooks and online meetings with their teachers as well as social media platforms. (You still have to make sure they’re being taught and prepared for next year.) High schoolers still have homework and if they’re still in a scholarship program, they’re required to meet and keep up with their goals. Adults have to stay on top of our game for work as well as staying healthy by avoiding too many snack trips to the refrigerator. It’s a stressful time added to what everyone already had on their plates before COVID-19.

New Normal

Our new normal is to stay in touch with clients, prospects and family through social media, emailing, texting or with phone calls instead of meeting at their office, having coffee or lunch. This is hard for me personally because I like meeting people, going to new places, and trying new restaurants. I know this will all pass in time, but things will probably be different moving forward.

Men’s Group

Another thing helping me through these interesting times is my men’s group. On Sunday mornings, I meet with my church men’s group via Zoom. We usually start off sharing how the week went, give family updates, and talk about new things we’re doing. Even though it’s a video conference, it’s nice. It’s personable and we really get to know each other better. From there, we discuss a spiritual awareness topic the meeting leader sends out a few days prior. We discuss the topic and challenges it has in our daily lives. How each person interprets the topic can be pretty interesting at times. From there, we veer off course to talk about sports and how golf games are coming along. I look forward to seeing everyone and listening to their perspectives.

Patience is a virtue.

Those words are so true. I have friends and family who say that I have patience for a lot of things, but this certainly has tested my limits. I do meditate and find calm when I can… more so than I used to. I’m staying active, though I really would like to get back to the gym and the friends that I see there.

I’m not comfortable with some of the personal changes I’ve noticed during this time at home. My affectionate personality is diminished, which I’m not happy about. Washing my hands for no apparent reason is also becoming bothersome even though I know it’s necessary.

We all have challenges during this time. It’s a great time to set some goals. Tackle that project you’ve been meaning to get done. Start learning a new skill or dive into a new hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue. Make sure it’s something different and not too easy. Make it part of your routine. Most importantly finish it because life happens and you can’t stop it but you can control it.