I ran across a story this week that jumped off the page and grabbed my attention. As I read it I was reminded of the importance of how we process our perceived burdens especially during this time of increased measures to isolate ourselves.
And it all started with a story about a glass of water.
Recently a college professor held up a glass a water to her young and captivated audience and asked, “How heavy is this glass of water?”
As you can imagine, answers ranged. The young students yelled out, “8 ounces.” “12 ounces.” “Not much.” The answers were plentiful, all over the map, and there was no real consensus.
After a while the professor answered, “The weight of this glass of water doesn’t really matter. What matters is how long you try to hold it.”
“If you hold it for 60 seconds, it’s not a problem.”
“If you hold it for 60 minutes, well, you may begin to feel an ache in your arm.”
“And if you try to hold it for full 24 hours, your body is going to start shaking and reacting terribly.”
“But think about it. In each instance it is the same glass of water. The same weight. But the longer you hold it, the heavier it becomes.”
This has such a parallel with what is going on right now, as many of us may be experiencing some unique circumstances. It stands to reason that if we carry our burdens without a break, without sharing or talking, they become increasingly heavy, maybe even unmanageable. So, take a break. Put down the glass the water. Maybe exercise, read, or call someone. Be kind to yourself and find time to talk with family, friends and colleagues. Put down your glass of water, if only for a bit.
This example of a simple glass of water serves to remind us that we are in this together. And what’s important to each of us at Poretta & Orr is for you to know how very important you are to us. So in the midst of these unchartered times, it’s important that we support one another and know that better things are coming. While this can be difficult, paying attention to how we respond to the news; how we face each day despite the doom and gloom; how we try to shield young children and allow them to feel joy and to recognize that the world is a wonderful place, and how we ourselves remain hopeful, is extremely important.
To all our clients and friends, we want you to know we are here for you, that we are open for business and that you remain our focus as we move through this unique time. When all is said and done, we will get through this together. And at the end of it all, as we turn the corner on this moment in time, let’s be sure to raise a glass of water and have a toast!