Is It COVID Fatigue? Or Is It 2020 Fatigue?

How many times, lately, have you seen or heard someone say something like, “This has been a crazy year”? Though this may seem like a gross understatement, the truth of it cannot be disputed: The year 2020 will surely go down in history as one of the most challenging single periods any of us have ever lived through.

Many of us feel on edge, and we may not always understand exactly why. And, though you may think you’re the only person feeling out of sorts these days or you may wonder why you feel that way, you should know that a lot of us are experiencing a nagging sense of disorientation about ourselves and the world around us.

The pandemic, which seemed in the summer to be slowly receding, has found new life in many states.  Most of us are beyond tired of social distancing, canceled vacations, and not being able to shake hands, hug, or laugh with our clients, family, and friends.  Meanwhile, social unrest, toxic partisan divisions, and a rancorous presidential campaign create their own burden of mental and emotional uncertainty.  As if all that weren’t enough, the economic outlook is far from certain, and the U.S. government is breaking every record for deficit creation.

At the same time, we need to remember that things are certainly not hopeless. Many of us have been fortunate enough to retain our jobs, our resources, and our retirement accounts. We are certainly blessed, compared with so many others who have lost their jobs or are looking at the possibility of being evicted from their homes.  But we should all recognize that this is a good time to practice a little self-compassion.  More than ever in recent memory, this is a good time to give ourselves a break and to reach out to the people we care about.  In times like these, we have to lean on each other.

We recognize that your finances are very important—after all, that is our business! But we also know that your quality of life is even more important. You should know, as we do, that you are important—you matter to your friends, your family, your co-workers—and to us! 

If you feel the need to get in touch and share your uncertainties about the future, we are always ready to listen. Our prime motivator grows out of our deep interest in your situation and your concerns.  We may not have all of the answers, but there are times when a good, in-depth conversation about what’s most important to you can result in better insights. Sometimes, in fact, a conversation like that can remind us that, no matter how stressful or uncertain the circumstances may be, we are not alone. And that realization is often exactly the reassurance we need the most.

If we can help in any way, please contact us. And to read our article about the importance of good “traveling companions” for your financial journey, “Signs along the Way: The Camino de Santiago, Investing, and Life,” please click here.

Buen Camino!