I am a Cuban–Hispanic–American who was born and raised in the United States and later, as an adult, moved to the incredible island of Hispaniola, on the Dominican Republic side. Ten years later, with three children, I don’t plan on leaving paradise anytime soon.
It’s common to have household staff on the island. Two weeks ago, I asked my home staff to go to their own homes, and afterward I made the decision to close our house. With so many open-air spaces, golf, and the beach, I didn’t expect this to be a challenge—quite the opposite.
I’m not going to replace my entire social life with a screen. Remember VCRs? People have been working out at home since the days of Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons. I like people. I’m eager to reconnect with my friends and family as soon as possible. Social distancing may be a new norm, but it won’t last forever—and forever is a LONG time…
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Instead of being polarized by what’s new, I prefer to spend my time catching up on books I never finished, finding the child within me so I can play with my babies, taking time to learn more about my industry and business, picking up the phone to call old friends and relatives I haven’t spoken to in a long while. I must admit, I enjoy my ZOOM happy hours—recommended by my best friend TIM—they’re amazing! I’m certainly not going on, nor do I recommend, this shiny trip of “trends.”
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I also need time to be vulnerable. YES—VULNERABLE! Most of us have families of our own; I’d say most people have parents, grandparents, and/or friends they can call family. With that comes the responsibility of keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy and safe. Allowing myself to feel vulnerable, rather than letting “complications” hit me later, makes me more human—with flaws and feelings. It’s part of life.
Most people, aside from keeping their families healthy and safe, are also responsible for their household finances. It’s important to think about your finances—how they’re being affected now and how they’ll be affected in the near future. Don’t let arrogant broadcasters or the government convince you of what’s “really” going to happen when you or a loved one loses a job. AGAIN—embrace vulnerability! I’m sure that if we take the time to truly dive into the unfolding realities—the ambiguities and complexities surrounding your health, safety, and financial future—you’ll start to see a clearer picture.
I have businesses in different industries; I’m affected just like you. Even in business, vulnerability plays a vital role in being successful in the future.
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It’s beyond my understanding how people around the world say, “Well, only 1% of COVID-19 victims are dying.” These victims are mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends. What’s the point of supporting causes like “Make-A-Wish Foundation, Save the Children, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital,” and then saying “It’s only 1%”? Are we serious? I certainly don’t want to be around people who think like that. Maybe this is a good time to consider what I’ve allowed into my sphere of influence—and a perfect time to remove it.
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Now, after highlighting points 1, 2, 3, and 4, what else am I going to do over the next four weeks? The answer is—I don’t know. It seems I’ll focus on digging into the uncertainties of COVID-19, start innovating in my way of thinking, in my businesses, and in how I’ve approached life and the world as I knew it. I must consider how I should approach tomorrow.
To summarize, I’m sharing what I believe is reality. For those willing to listen, I hope you take from my message the initiative to act—to engage with this raw reality we’re living, one that no one can truly guarantee how it will end. Every day is TODAY! If you plan to waste it in the same old packaged distortion—AGAIN—go for it. However, know that there is much more happening around YOU, and this is a very good moment to PAY ATTENTION.
Respectfully,
Edward De Valle II
eddevalle.com
