An alternative to panic: Think positive!

Those of you who know me well know that I am a positive thinker.  Yes, I was that woman on the Titanic who was complimenting the orchestra on their playing when the ship was sinking!  Yes, I watched every television feature about ordinary citizens doing extraordinary acts of courage and kindness during 9/11.  And I am still a big believer that we will come together as a global community to combat climate change.

Shipping has survived both feast and famine for millennia.  We are the engine of global trade; while consumption may drop a bit over the next few months, people still need food, goods and energy.

Shipping is resilient.  Over the past 12 years, we have been through the worst shipping recession since 1845, so we are already operating lean and mean.  There is no fat on the bones right now, and with the benefits of digitalization we are getting more and more efficient.  Necessity is the Mother of invention!

As we face the weeks and months ahead, let us focus on our strengths and mitigate our weaknesses.  Let us not forget that global society depends upon us for its very survival.  Let us remember that we provide a service that is integral to the success of our planet to rebound from this scourge.

It is natural during this time of profound change to feel uncertain and powerless.  Here are some suggestions on how to overcome these feelings:

• Identify what you can control—and what you cannot.  We are powerless over the virus, but we are NOT powerless over what we do to combat it.  Heed the advice of medical practitioners and your community leaders.
• Move a muscle; change a thought!  If you are getting wrapped up in your head, rise up and go for a walk/run/bike ride, or work out with a video. Change the trajectory of your thoughts by focusing on positive things!  Be grateful for friends, family and colleagues.
• Recognize that we are all in this TOGETHER!  This is a non-discriminatory virus that is having a GLOBAL impact.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Stay healthy—and POSITIVE!!!