QUARANTINE LIFE: MONDAY THOUGHTS

It was a rainy, yet peaceful ride to Odenton to pay respects to the late Henry Leon Salvant. 

Although the occasion was a sad one, it’s nice to hear such glowing and respectful words spoken about a person. A life committed to true service, mentorship, and community is something to be celebrated.  

It was also nice to see a family acknowledging and honoring their loved one’s devoted caregivers.

I can’t play nothin’ but the radio, so it really does matter who’s on the instruments. Sometimes you just want to delay singing, and listen…

The very talented, Warren Jones was outstanding, as usual.

It’s always nice to hear a hymn played well.

I haven’t sung much since Miss ‘Rona showed up. I know it’s weird, but the few occasions I have, were like singing for the first time. Someone skillful on the keys really helps get rid of the jitters. I’m grateful for competent people…and, when it comes to musicians, I admit, I’m spoiled rotten. 

On the way home, it occurred to me that attitude is everything. Everything! Harmony and cooperation matter. People who genuinely value what you do, and aren’t always looking for something for nothing (particularly during a pandemic), are pretty special, too. 

Some people see the seemingly ending pandemic as a green light to revert to pre-pandemic disregard, unreasonable demands, and poor business practices. Hopefully they’ll learn, sooner than later, that no one owes anyone else their presence, time, talent, or resources. 

Times have truly changed; so have requirements and protocols. In addition to being told what you’re expected to do, you need to be assured that you’ll be safe while doing it—not empty-handed, at a deficit, or sick when the work is done. 

The days of being apprehensive about expressing what your needs are, should be relegated to the history books.

When I got home, I read two snarky messages that I’d received while attending the funeral. They actually made me google the "reasons why an airplane pilot would abort a landing". Why would anyone think that they're going to successfully engage or connect if their approach is all wrong? The difference between those two messages, and the correspondence I received concerning today’s funeral, couldn’t have been more opposite. I had no energy for them. Perhaps the senders will realize they need to check the altitude of their entitlement, adjust their speed, and circle a bit, or go around and get their manners together.

Whether in person, on the phone, or in writing, dig how you approach people. Check your tone. Hear yourself. Ask yourself if you’d respond to, or shake your head, smirk, laugh at, and then delete the kind of messages you send to others—especially if you want them to work, or do something for you. 

Consider that not everyone is glued to their phone. (They just might be at a funeral.) Even if you think they check their phone every other second of the day, remember—access is granted, not a given. 

Before you lament what is the least someone else can do, ask yourself if you’ve at least shown the consideration that you demand. There may be lots of reasons why you haven’t heard from someone, but don’t let it be because you overused, repelled, or exhausted them.

Bullying, manipulation, negativity, impatience, and insensitivity won’t and don’t cut it. Not these days, anyway. Nothing about any of that is appealing.  How you approach anyone will determine whether, how, when, or if you’ll ever get the response or services you’re seeking. 

One thing Miss ‘Rona has ushered in is the need for drama-free zones, and zero tolerance for drama-filled people.

Respect, kindness, integrity —and professionalism—really do go a long, long way. 

THAT’S the quartet that got me out of the house today.