Take the long view, as “this too shall pass”
Recent weeks have been quite unnerving for us all, in the wake of the COVID-19 “coronavirus” outbreak. Financial markets have tanked as media reports come in, and fear of the unknown can be gripping, to the point of debilitating for some. While reacting negatively to such news is understandable, now might be a good time to step back, assess the situation and if possible, take the long view. This is not meant to marginalize the serious nature of the threat, but to put it in the proper context. It is everyone’s hope that the spread can be contained, and that life can go on as this scourge is eventually put in the rear-view mirror. Remember that “this too shall pass,” as all things do.
Memories of 2008-2009…
When the housing bubble popped and Lehman Brothers collapsed, there was near panic as people worried about their financial well-being. At the time I was with Korg USA, and we certainly felt the impact on sales. I recall a conversation with a dealer at 2009 Winter NAMM, who had worked himself up to a state of near paralysis. Mind you, no one was happy about the situation, but I asked this gentleman if he planned on being at the trade show the following year. He replied “yes , ” and for a fleeting moment we both visualized a time ahead that might be better than where we were at that very instant. Over time, the recovery came, the economic situation normalized, and we continued to do business.
Words from the ages and sages…
Marcus Aurelius is quoted as saying, “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” Throughout history, we as a species have been faced with monumental challenges, and the temptation is always there to freeze up in worry. I suppose that is a natural reaction, but I’m going to do my best in the coming weeks to avoid this response. More words of wisdom from Henry David Thoreau, who wrote “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.”
More cowbell, please…
On a personal note, I’ve had a recent brush with the reaper, and live with the possibility of recurring cancer. While some days are difficult, I’m remaining positive, and grateful for waking up today. A friend reminded me that I should be happy to be “looking at flowers, and not at roots,” which sounds like a great line for a country song. So here on a bright and sunny Sunday morning, I’ll breathe deep, take stock of life, and get ready to hit the ground running tomorrow when we in the music and pro audio trade reopen for business.
I hope you can do the same.