A long ago, in that time known as BC (Before COVID-19), we truly lived in a different world. Prior to that, few of us had heard of N-95 masks, social-distancing via the magical six feet and self-quarantine. We would not have imagined air travel stalled, all cruise ships in dock, hotels empty and restaurants held to 25% capacity.
These changes in our lives have tested us all. Some have been more fortunate, some have been devastated, but all of us have been affected. Try as we might, 2020 will be a year none of us will soon forget.
When faced with uncertainty, a sense we are losing control may follow, which can lead to anxiety, stress and sometimes anger. What’s more, a few months into the turmoil of the pandemic, our nation was shocked by the killing of George Floyd. We looked inside ourselves and our society to try to better understand this tragedy. Then followed a summer and fall of demonstrations and one of the closest, most contentious national elections of this era. Collectively, we all have been through a lot.
Last year, BC, I shared research on how to develop resiliency in our children and in ourselves. We looked at studies done by Richard Davidson, including his featured interview in the “OnBeing” podcast. To develop resiliency in ourselves, Davidson’s findings teach us we need to expand and hone the traits of empathy, gratitude, reflection, respect, communication, inclusivity and focused attention.
As we hit Thanksgiving, I want to revisit two of these traits – gratitude and empathy.
After a tough spring followed by an August of shutdowns and sheltering in place, when some struggled with the environment and rules thrust on us all, a tension filled the air. Some unkind, un-Mr. Rogers-like behaviors became almost a daily occurrence. For those of us trying to re-open schools – trustees, administrators, teachers and all the others who work so hard behind the scenes – this was a challenging time.
As everything swirled around us, we kept our focus. By mid-September, our students slowly began returning to their classrooms. Although for safety concerns parents’ access to schools was limited, those of us working inside once again enjoyed seeing the smiling eyes of children (behind their masks) as well as the lightness of movement among friends. It truly brought tears to our eyes.
When we finally were allowed to bring students back to school, I visited as many classrooms as possible. My first words to each staff member – teacher, custodian, nurse, bus driver, cook, principal – were “Thank YOU.” I would then stare and marvel as they created magic for their students. As I left each room, I thanked them again. Invariably, unexpectedly and very often, the staff member would stop me before I could leave the room, look me in the eyes and say, “No, thank YOU. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.”
Tom Leonard is the superintendent of the Eanes school district.
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