In this column, my thoughts are focused on what we can learn from the experiences of those who were at the receiving end of the bombing campaigns during World War II. And their subsequent coping with a total upheaval and random events of destruction, injury and increased risk of injury, hospitalization, and occasionally premature death.
To be sure, some of the tips are more appropriate to the current situation than others, and the people had the advantage of being able to congregate in person and perhaps share a laugh now and then. Although we are advised to avoid group meetings, we can still get together virtually via videoconferencing capabilities.
SPE has a variety of resources to keep you connected during this difficult time. Maybe you can’t attend an event or section meeting and network right now, but you can connect with SPE colleagues and take advantage of volunteer and learning opportunities that will help others as well as yourself. Visit “We’re Here for Our Members” to tap into the many options available to you.
Further to Shauna Noonan's posts in SPE Connect last week, “Utilizing the Strength of our Collective Membership,” I'd like to remind everyone that we are a community made up of many smaller geographic communities to which we are likely more closely connected. It is there in our sections, companies, academic institutions, and hometowns that interpersonal connection and support may be most needed. Some of our professional associates and the students at local colleges and universities may be a long way from home and/or facing relative isolation and financial stress for the first time in their lives.
Through modern communication systems and conference calling, we have the ability to invite them for virtual coffee or water cooler chat, or even meet up for a TGIF afterwork drink, just as we might have done physically a month ago.
We are social people and having a chat, a rant, and an exchange of jokes about the situation in which we now find ourselves is a safety valve and a natural defense mechanism against PTSD. Also a great way to brainstorm tactical plans for dealing with the very real challenges that we are facing. And who knows, one of those associates may even be able to point us to a local source for toilet paper and alcohol-based hand wipes.
Bob Pearson, Glynn Resources, is the SPE Technical Director for Production and Facilities.
