These past couple of days I’ve been caught up with volunteer work, which means I’ve neglected checking in with all of you in our community. For that, I owe you an apology.
I’ve been turning things over in my mind, and beyond urging you to stock up on daily necessities and food supplies — wherever you are — I honestly can’t think of much else worth saying. Everything feels dull and unremarkable right now, and the near-term future looks bleak.
When I do find something worth sharing, it comes down to this: starting today, you must get into the habit of treading carefully and trimming back.
Because in the foreseeable short term, the broader environment is going to be truly terrible. This is the real long-term consequence of the pandemic.
I genuinely cannot imagine what the economy will look like when Shanghai eventually announces it has cleared zero-COVID and reopens its doors — how many people will face the stark reality that their employers couldn’t hold on, that companies have bled out and gone quiet.
And that shock will send ripples that run deep and strong.
So here are four things I hope you’ll keep in mind:
1 — Downgrade your consumption across the board. Until there is clearly a new, reliable source of income flowing, buy only what you truly need. If you can take a detached, “go with the flow” approach, do it. If you can simplify, simplify.
2 — Face the coming blows with clear eyes. Whether it’s job loss or financial setback, these are inevitable consequences of the aftermath. If you have your health and your family is safe, without major debt dragging you down — that is already something to be grateful for.
3 — Cherish the career you have now. Steady, reliable work is gold; your earnings are silver. Anything high-risk, stay well away from it — you’re not missing out on anything you can’t live without. Low-risk investments are fine to dabble in, but don’t let yourself get swept up.
4 — Lift the spirits of those around you. There will surely be people in your life who are far worse off than you right now. A kind word can warm the coldest season. Whether or not you believe in destiny reading (命理) or Chinese metaphysics (玄学), if someone picks themselves back up and finds their courage again because of something encouraging you said — that is always a good thing.