|
Coping and Working After a Tragedy
© Leslie Truex
Sep 14, 2001
After the tragedy in New York, Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania, its difficult to find an appropriate topic regarding telecommuting on which to write much less focus on writing it. It's amazing how such an act can shatter illusions of safety. Indeed, on the evening of September 11, 2001 an airplane flew overhead when I was told all flights were grounded. Panic, fear, confusion ran through me all at once. I have since talked myself into thinking it was a military plane. But, the damage is done. We will think twice before taking our safety and security from outside forces for granted.
With that said, I thought I would focus on how one can work, either from home or an office, with the distraction and grief that has overwhelmed our nation. Please note, that this article is for those of us who aren't linked directly to the tragedy. Those of you who live near the affected areas or who know people directly impacted will do better to contact mental health or crisis counselors in your area. But for the rest of us who are not that closely connected to the tragedy and yet are still glued to our televisions, trying to make sense of this tragedy, trying to go on and yet unable to empty our minds even for a minute of the horrors we saw on Tuesday, this article will offer some tips to help you. 1. The first thing we must all do is take care of our loved ones and ourselves. A day or two of reflection, indulging in spending time with our families, and resetting priorities is not uncalled for in such a situation. This tragedy reminds us that we need to show appreciation and gratitude for what we have. Take time for yourself and your family, rejoicing in what you have. 2. Do something constructive. Donate blood. Provide comfort, dinner, or supplies to people in your area who are affected by this tragedy. Helplessness can best be alleviated through action. You will find a list of resources at the end of this article that you can use to make a difference. 3. Take your mind of it for a while. It can be very difficult with television, radio and the members of your community talking of nothing else. But it's okay to take time to focus on something different. Rent a movie, take a walk in the woods, play with the kids, indulge in a hobby, or anything that can distract even for a moment. This tragedy has caused stress and fear, both of which can be unhealthy on the mind and body.
Go To Page:
1
2
The copyright of the article Coping and Working After a Tragedy in Telecommuting is owned by Leslie Truex. Permission to republish Coping and Working After a Tragedy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
