“What we are facing now is not the new normal – it is a “better” normal because our best is with God. If God allowed this pandemic to happen, He has a purpose… and we need to thank Him.” - Bro. Eng Si
Protecting and supporting the emotional and mental well-being of employees during a pandemic are essential in making them work productively with a positive mindset. On September 17, the NNC-NCR Achieve Team led by NPC Mila V. Federizo attended a webinar with Bro. Renato “Eng” Si, a known motivational speaker and Feast Builder. Bro. Eng Si, who has been a motivational speaker in many conferences organized by NNC-NCR, made time for the team despite his busy schedule to motivate and help them prepare themselves for a better normal amid the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted to many changes on how we do things. One of the difficult adjustments many government employees must adapt to is working from home during this “new normal”. Sitting in front of the computer for long hours has become the norm. Meetings and other activities are done virtually or using online platforms. Communication and coordination are done using FB messenger app and viber in addition to text messaging. Mobility is restricted. Alternative working arrangements range from going to the office weekly, bi-weekly, compressed work hours or even working from home the entire workweek for months during community quarantine. These changes during the new normal have affected our daily routines that we have been used to for so long. In fact, adapting to the new normal has become burdensome and taxing to many, causing fatigue and anxiety.
In Bro. Eng’s talk he emphasized that God allowed this pandemic to happen because He has a purpose, and we should thank Him. Be thankful that we still have jobs. Those who lost their jobs should also do the same because now they have businesses of their own. Because of the pandemic, families became closer because they are always together. The pandemic brought many new opportunities for everyone and it is just a matter of accepting the changes and striving to be better.
To be better, everyone should be able to assess what stage they are in during this pandemic – are we in the ‘Fear Zone’, where in we complain, spread emotions related to fear or get mad easily? Or are we in the ‘Learning Zone, where in we are aware of the situation and know how to act on it, evaluate information received or give up on what we cannot control? Are we in the ‘Growth Zone’, where in we thank and appreciate others, keep a happy emotional state and spread hope to others, look for a way to adapt to a new change, live in the present while focusing on the future, think of others and find ways to help them? These are the stages that we go through and in the process, help us learn to adapt well to the changes and become better amid the pandemic.
To be better, we must fight the 3W’s: Worry, Weariness and Wackos. In fighting these 3Ws, we should know the problem that causes our stress. If we are part of the problem, then we must act on it. If we cannot solve the problem, leave the problem to God because He is always in control. “If you cannot solve your problem, then what is the use of worrying?”, Bro. Eng Si added.
Discouragements will only bring the worst in us. We should acknowledge the blessings that we receive no matter small they are. Having an attitude of gratitude is the key to more blessings that will bring out the best in us. “There are so many reasons to be grateful for – your family is the dream of every orphan, your home is the dream of every homeless person, your good health is the dream of all who are sick, your job is the dream of every unemployed”, explained Bro. Eng Si. He reminded everyone that we need troubles to grow and we need challenges for growth. Everyone must keep in mind that our future is brighter than our past. God is already in our tomorrow, preparing a beautiful future for us.
Through this webinar, the NNC-NCR Achieve Team was able to realize that indeed, there are inevitable changes brought about by this pandemic. We just have to accept the changes in a positive way, trust God and strive to become better amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (ELF/MEVF/NNC NCR)
