Navigating the new normal
I, like many of you, entered 2020 full of hope for the new year and all the opportunities it would bring. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that three months in we would find ourselves in a state of turmoil. The Coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a new normal, which is unlike anything we have ever seen before. Our lives have turned upside down, and we’ve all had to put measures in place to adapt. Social distancing, online schooling and remote working have become the norm in the space of a few days.
The past week at Chartered was spent making the necessary plans and adjustments to set up our staff members to work from home. It’s been a hive of activity installing the essential software and providing the required training to all our staff to ensure that we can stay connected with you, our clients, and with each other.
We are working tirelessly finding ways to stay in touch. This will be done through Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webinars and Podcasts. We will be sending out detailed step by step guidelines explaining how to navigate these new systems. It’s a learning curve for all of us, and we promise to support you every step of the way. I often joke with the team at Chartered that if they can teach me, they can teach anyone.

There have been moments this past week, where I have felt completely overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what lies ahead. A hundred scenarios playing out in my head. When this happens, I stop myself and recite the serenity prayer – God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I have always found immense comfort from this prayer in times of uncertainty. So, what do I have control of? I can socially distance, I can find things to be grateful for every day, and I can be open to the learning opportunities that our new working environment will bring.
The weeks and months ahead are going to be difficult. They are going to require all of us to dig deep. I encourage you to use this time at home to practise self-care. Have longer, deeper conversations with the people you love, rest and read. Most importantly check in with people, we need each other now more than ever. Please keep in touch, your comments and ideas are always appreciated. We are all doing the best we can right now, we don’t know when it’s going to end – but we know it will end.
Warm Regards
