Florida Here I Come!

Today, I board a plane filled with spring-breakers and travel to Florida to meet up with my daughter, son-in-law, and most importantly, my beautiful grandson (sorry Dr. Fauci, but I can’t help myself).

However, I must confess: Fear of Florida looms. My excitement to hold my grandson is muffled by the thought of flying for over 5 hours in the middle seat (the only seating assignment available) from San Francisco to Orlando, the port-of-call without rules or regulations. I know it will be worth it when I see my grandson’s smile, his big Mickey Mouse ears in place. And Disneyworld is the Most Magical Place on Earth, right? (Just ask Gronk and Tom Terrific.) I’m ready to wear my mask all day and suffer the spring break crowds—but I do hope my risky behavior doesn’t bite me in the butt.

For those who know me, I am not normally driven by fear. I am driven by adventure, laughter and fun—in hopeless amounts. But experts are saying that even as we slowly return to normal, many people are reluctant to end their nesting at home. I love to listen to both the Marc Maron and Dax Sheppard podcasts, and they freely admit they are scared to go back to the way things were a year ago. Maron says he is offended that his bosses want him to come back into the studio to shoot a movie. Sheppard says he is loving isolation and would prefer to stick with his podcast, and even give-up acting rather than get back in the mix. As crazy as it sounds, even successful actors have found a love for isolation, Instacart, Zoom calls and family meals via curbside.

Psychologists say the same is true for so many of us working from home and living in isolation, feeling like we can never go back to normal. Many have simply come to enjoy isolation and enjoy the new lifestyle COVID has offered. Even more say they are reluctant to surrender their safety. But I am not that person. I can hardly wait to get out and start living again. I plan to double mask, wear a shield and celebrate my adventure. I cannot wait to blog about my experience outside California in a state like Florida with its limited restrictions. It will feel strange to see everyone out and about without a mask, enjoying full dining rooms, dancing and beachcombing without a worry in the world.

But worry is a nag. And If I worry, I cannot imagine how others are feeling. Twenty-two states are this week allowing movie theatres to open and restaurants to serve at full capacity. Texas and Florida are allowing baseball stadiums to sell out for opening day in two weeks. Will this reopening be well received? I’m worried, but I also know that as things return to normal, we will all get there—no matter how long it takes. Can you imagine booking a massage or facial without worry or fear? Or buying tickets to a sold-out concert? At this time last year there was no light at the end of the tunnel, but this spring, hope returns eternal.

The return to the workplace presents another problem. Most employees do not want to go back to the office because they love working from home. But I know for my company, CMA is better together. Distance working diminishes the creative process, and we need to feed off the creative energy from each other. For employers around the country, it may be difficult to convince employees to come back to the office. If we cannot get movie stars back to the set how can we instill enthusiasm for a return to office culture? I think it will be like anything else: once we get back into a routine it will feel comfortable.

For now, I cannot wait to get to Florida and see that baby and my family. I pray the risk is worth the reward.