Thrifty at Fifty | Less is More!

Image courtesy: https://ntemid.com/less-is-more/

As I gingerly step into the new “F” decade with a few niggling pains and turn to look over my stiff shoulders into my younger past, I achingly realize that being fifty does come with its own trappings.

Jokes aside, getting off the ground without using my hands may not be as easy as it was in the earlier decade, however, one good thing is that it has taught me the meaning of being grounded (pun unintended). The importance of a few real things that should truly matter in the scheme of life.

Less is More, in effect, becomes the broader theme of my life in the coming decade.

Whether it is being thankful for the ordinary things/moments in life or being realistic, whether it is understanding the worth of “real” people in my life or the power of just “being me” - there has never been so much clarity about what needs to be valued than now. As they say, with age comes wisdom (and grey hair).

Here are three learnings that thriftily summarise my “less is more” realization from the last decade.

      1. Focussing on my Core. (that is beyond gym speak)

      When it comes to relationships or the people in our lives, and how we spend time with them, I have understood one important thing – Both, depth, and consistency matter.

After going around the sun fifty times, I have understood who my true cheerleaders are. The ones who are my support system, those who believe in me and are genuinely happy for my success and growth. I may be able to count them on my fingertips but that’s completely ok. 

Given the limited time that I have left on this earth (relatively speaking), I would rather give quality time to those few loved ones and invest my time in doing things crucial for both of us (them and me).

Like someone wise said, “Love is not a noun. It is a verb.”.

It is important that I prioritize and focus on my core and show up for them consistently, and fully, through my actions. After all, this core is what makes life worth living!

Little by little, I have also begun to understand the meaning of focus and the joy of “flow”!

And that’s something this attention-deficit human will be learning to practice and improve in the coming decade.

2.   I am not just my Job Title (and LinkedIn profile!)

      Two books I read a couple of years back, shifted my perspective and introduced me to the concept of Portfolio Life. That is leading a life that goes beyond our identity printed on a business card or published on our LinkedIn profile.

      We humans tend to get too attached to our job titles. And given the current turbulent times, when that job identity is taken away, many are left distressed. It leaves a huge void in life. 

       A case in point is COVID-19 rudely awakening us to this possibility a few years ago.

      The job title is just the work we do and not who we are! They are two separate and distinct things. Outside our work identity, the quality of life we lead also matters. 

      What is the meaning of a successful professional life when one cannot be with near and dear ones when they need us the most? What is the worth of a C-suite title when one cannot invest in self-care, family time, or hobbies?

      Not to say that one should not aspire for professional success. But success at what cost is important! If your career is also your vocation, then good on you! Or if you are someone who is married to your job, then best wishes to you too!

      As someone wise said, “One who understands the difference between MORE and ENOUGH is the happiest person.”

      I have realized it is far more important to invest and build a fulfilling and meaningful life in spheres beyond our professional identity. 

      To my privileged friends (read: financially secure), well into their 40s and 50s, my humble unsolicited advice - if we know where to draw a line or appreciate how much is enough, a portfolio life is what we should aspire for.

      A portfolio life that allows us to integrate multiple interests. A life that allows us to earn money and, at the same time brings health, joy, and fun, provides learning opportunities, and also opportunities to give back to our family and society. And that’s a life I look forward to leading in the new decade.

3. Going beyond Hydrogen Peroxide and Ammonia (…and first impressions!)

In 2017, on a whim, I decided to stop coloring my hair and go grey. Many friends (mostly ladies) immediately reached out to me saying that I was being brave to reveal my greys while in my 40s when typically, most women keep coloring, well into their 70s (unlike men who find it easier to flaunt their greys as they appear).

My response was - "The decision may appear “brave” to many (women), but ironically, I am being “cautious” about my future.”

Cautious???...Yes!

For me, the equation was clear in (and off) my head.

No Hair Colouring =

More [(Money + Time) today + (Hair) in future] and

Less [(Hair loss + Carcinogens + Mental weight to look a certain age) today]

Honestly, I had reached a stage where first impressions didn’t matter anymore. Only lasting impressions did! And lasting impressions are shaped by our actions (how we show up) and not how we look.

I will also add that hair colouring is a personal decision and to each their own. I am not judging anyone as each one of us has different reasons to color or not color.

But this decision for me was by far the easiest one to make in my 40s and live by it even today! However, tomorrow, if someone comes up with a hair color that is long-lasting, non-toxic, and does not lead to hair loss, I might just consider it!

That's it! That’s me being thrifty at fifty and focussing on what really matters in the coming decade.

LinkedIn Citizens Who Can Be Movie Titles

 

Almost Famous – The ones who humblebrag their badge of honor or newly achieved certificate every other hour spent on LinkedIn. They will always be almost famous!

 

Slumdog Millionaire – The ones who have rags to riches story to share and that has a potential for another rehash of a been there done with that Hollywood movie.

 

12 Angry Men – They are arm-chair critics who may not have a single worthy post to share but get immense pleasure in jumping to conclusions and harshly judging others' achievements or attacking naïve LinkedIn posts.

 

Vertigo – They are that rare breed whose meteoric rise on the career ladder is so heady, it can give an attack of vertigo.

 

Django Unchained – These are the swashbuckling cowboys who aggressively promote their organization and its products every day (even if it is a lame product/offer). Just short of getting the company name tattooed on their heart which rests on their sleeve.

 

Miss Congeniality – Her posts are about encouragement and motivation and stories about kindness, courage, and empathy. Their posts make you let out a deep sigh, make you teary-eyed and melt your heart.

 

The Pursuit of Happyness – These are the glass-half-full type of people who are hopeless optimists even in the face of adversity. Despite personal setbacks and challenges, they share utopian posts that can make even super-achievers doubt themselves.

 

Hidden Figures – With diversity being the darling of the season and possibly many more seasons in the future (and rightly so!), these LinkedIn users have found their niche. They won't stop posting about the hidden figures till the cows come home.

 

Jurassic Park – There are few early adopters out there who make you feel like a relic. Their posts are everything about the newest and the latest in technology space. Their posts spew cutting-edge topics and reading them makes you feel like a stunted shrub living under a rock inside Jurassic Park.

 

Avatar – These LinkedIn citizens are out there to make a difference but to their own Avatar. They want to save humanity from the clutches of climate change, pollution, overpopulation, hunger crisis, lack of education, corruption, and many global issues with their posts. Yes, just their posts. These are the armchair activists of the LinkedIn world.

 

The Return of the Living Dead

They were invisible on LinkedIn, but certain compulsions have made them go ballistic in recent times. Possibly, the merits of being active on LinkedIn have just dawned upon them.

 

The Social Network

They are the overtly obliging ones who are commenting on other’s posts “for better reach”. In a covert way, they are expecting the same return of favour.

 

Up in The Air

These citizens (or foreigners) were quite active in pre-Pandemic times, posting about their event appearances, achievements, and professional bravado gallantly struck across different countries/ continents. In recent times, this breed has vanished in thin air.

Image source: Pixabay

Fluid - A Poem

The times have changed, and how!

To nature’s bounty and fury, we now sincerely bow!

The seasons as we knew then and now

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, I avow!

A thin line between work and play

Our life is how we mold the day

Nothing is black and white but all gray

Life, as we know, is more fluid today!

They say necessity is the mother of invention

In tough times a need for a new dimension

It’s time to find solutions through collaboration

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, with no exception!

When he/she/they gender pronouns matter

Nothing is what it seems on a platter

When all your earlier impressions scatter

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, and it’s no idle chatter!

How we do business today has changed

Brick and mortar to e-commerce, interchanged

A wave of digitalization unchained

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, unstrained!

School and office buildings have become redundant!

And yet the work gets done by the incumbent

Being self-reliant and yet interdependent

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, a judgment not indulgent!

Less is more, and minimalism is indeed the new maxim

What was indispensable has gone through many subtractions

While true essentials of today cost us a fraction

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, no retraction!

In the pandemic, the mask may have covered the ground

In truth, it laid bare our relationships and trust, unbound

No matter what, love and empathy stand finally crowned

Life, as we know, is more fluid today, I strongly propound!

But who knows what’s in store for us in the future?

As travelers in a time capsule, as actors, and as viewers

Adapt, adjust, hang in there, play our part, and maneuver

Life, as we know, is more fluid today and tomorrow, another adventure!

Breath - A Poem

 

You are, therefore, I am.

In this moment. At this very point in time.

You are precious. Yet, I don’t care a dime

You are now, you are here

Not in the past or future

But one thing is crystal clear

I don’t need to hear from a seer

You are, therefore, I am.

 

Moments are just grains of sand in time

Some with grime and some sublime

And so many that don’t shine

Yet here we are, just both of us

Intertwined and aligned

Facing the seconds unconfined

I traverse through life as if I don’t mind

Your presence, I undermine

But one thing I must forever remind

You are, therefore, I am.

 

Live in the moment is what we are told

The deep meaning gradually unfolds

Lifting the veil of darkness, I see the gold

The message is loud, clear, and bold

Your understated presence is extolled

When some saw the writing on the wall, I just scrolled

And now it’s too late I am told

Though I wish I was sooner enrolled

To this thought or belief that we must forever behold

You are, therefore, I am.

Breath - A Poem

The lighter side of The New Work Eco-system.

1. Virtual calls with international colleagues becoming a daily norm, most have finally started understanding the concept of the Time Zone difference. Your global colleagues finally know where India is located on the global map.

2. We have understood it is not apt to wish a ‘Good Morning’ to everyone on a global call as there are colleagues in the meeting from different locations across the world. More correct would be just saying, ‘Greetings to all’. No need to ramble off with the time-consuming time-specific salutations to show you are inclusive.

3. Turning on your video for virtual meetings does not mean showing up at work anymore. If it was required last year, in 2021 it is ok to keep the video off. Your good work in the last year allows you that. If you have not worked hard enough, good luck to you. Even showing your face may not help. Your manager and colleagues can see through you anyway.

4. Logging in a few minutes early is being on time. Logging on time is not enough. And logging even a few minutes after the scheduled time is rude and discourteous. With no traffic woes, no excuse has been yet found to be good enough to report late. Maybe if you say, the previous meeting overran it could be tolerable but otherwise be ready with an apology.

5. Saying that a brand launch is in late summer/autumn is not appropriate if we have a global audience. There may be folks from the southern hemisphere who may totally miss the red-letter event. I say, just spell out the month.

6. Upskilling and taking up new courses has been the hottest trend of COVID19 that may not go out of fashion. An overwhelming majority has joined the (not fire) brigade and taken to drinking straight from the fire hose and oozing with knowledge.

7. If it’s an office call (even phone call) without prior intimation or appointment, it has now become expected to start with permission or request. Don’t be surprised to hear an unexpected warm humble request coming from someone who was known to be cold and brusque in Pre-COVID times.

8. ‘Are you still there?’, ‘Can you hear me?’, ‘Can you see my screen?’, ‘Can everyone go on mute?, ‘Can we take this offline?’, have been unanimously voted as the most used phrases in office seances, oops, office meetings. By showing up for these meetings, is how most of us have kept our spirits alive and home fires burning the whole of last year.

9. With the rise in virtual meetings, there also has been a rise in multitasking, especially in meetings where we are invited but not required. With video kept off, you can be emailing, chomping on your favorite snack, preparing for the next meeting or your meal, completing pending items, doing other phone calls (yes, even that!) and no one will still find out.

10. With the overload of virtual meetings, one can politely declare, ‘I have a hard stop’ or ‘I have to jump to another meeting’ at the start of a meeting. It helps two ways. It helps you to get an early exit from purposeless meetings which you don’t need to be part of in the first place and show you are super busy with a full schedule (even when you are not).

11. The Coffee Breaks or the Virtual Water Cooler sessions ran by HR for team building and employee well-being have now run their course. These concepts if still running anywhere can now graciously call it a day. Honestly, we just want to get off the laptop and our back-breaking chair and take a Real Break!

12. With the lines blurring between office and housework, with meetings scheduled beyond typical work hours, it is ok if our work status shows ‘Away’ (from the laptop) or ‘Be Right Back’ or even ‘Offline’ during office hours. Because - When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go!

Pic Courtesy - thearensic.com

Dichotomy, Thy Name is COVID-19

Somewhere far across when you first raised your ugly head

And made people cower and crawl inside their home

Little did we know all that we watched and we read

Would soon forbid even us to be carefree, let loose, and roam

 

Your humble beginnings in wet markets and all things unclean

Had us squirming when we saw where you came from that was so far unseen

Whether washing hands, objects, or anything that came in between

It made many of us realize the importance of health and good hygiene

 

Even when we were forced us to wear a mask to keep us safe

Day by day, week by week, it made us really chafe

Little did we know that something that protected even any telltale

Can very well reveal the person’s true character behind the veil  

 

Ever since you came into our life, life has never been the same

Many call it a new reality, for some, it has been a boon but for many a bane

You have made us realize what’s important and what we need to appreciate

Whether it is our health or relationships, some of us have realized the true meaning albeit late

 

Because of you, many professions may, unfortunately, become less important or redundant

But one thing that came to light was what we really need is not valued and very much insufficient

Whether those in healthcare, education, food, essential services, or any other industry in the new equation

How to become digital, agile, yet sustainable and with compassion will become the new foundation

 

You have been the harshest teacher for those who have understood the hard way

The importance of being resilient, positive, practicing gratitude, and pivoting to a new wave

Minimalism, cherishing little joys and being in the present are some lessons learned by yours truly

Being self-reliant, value of family members and my hobbies have helped me so far steadfastly

Sadly, looks like you will be part of our lives for much longer than earlier imagined

Hope a new vaccine is born somewhere soon that has you dispatching

All said and done, 2020 will remain a potent year, thanks to you, we would all like forgotten

You may have made us stronger, wiser, and tougher but for many, it will remain downright rotten

 

Tomorrow is a new day and as someone said everything happens for a reason

The humanity that has suffered at your hands has very much learned her lesson

It’s natures way of telling us, slow is good, less is more, and take care of mother earth.

Maybe we need to listen to her more carefully, act responsibly, and appreciate her worth henceforth.

 

Pic Courtesy: https://www.james-alan-smith.com/2018/06/05/dichotomy-by-james-alan-smith/

My A to Z lessons for surviving in times of COVID-19

The last four months have been the most tumultuous period the world has seen in the longest time. Never before have we seen uncertainty, despair, and negativity pervading around us at such an enormous scale. An invisible virus has made its ominous presence felt steadily and stealthily from one country in December 2019 to more than 200 countries in July 2020. With more than 14.5 million cases reported so far, it has already shaken many economies, ravaged many business houses, resulted in job losses, deaths, and broken many homes. It has engulfed us with its threatening existence, not just physically but mentally as well. A rude shock that will take us a long time to recover from.

Notwithstanding the grave situation, many positive outcomes have also come to light. It has brought into focus many long-forgotten elementary concepts such as the importance of empathy and mental well-being, our relationships, sustainability and minimalism, hygiene and cleanliness, frugal innovation. It has made us aware of what is really valuable and not in the overall scheme of things. Moreover, it brought to light the true warriors of our times. The ones who have been battling their personal battles and the more massive war with COVID-19. My salute to the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, police force, those in transport, those in sanitation, those in NGOs, and so many more whose names we don't know but are the true heroes – our warriors! 

Charles Darwin said: "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change."

Here are my lessons learned in the past four months since COVID-19 has dared us to be adaptable for our survival.

A – Atmanirbhar (Self-reliance)

With no house helps at our beck and call, with no carpenters or electricians available a phone call away, I have learned the importance of survival skills, the hard way. Whether cooking or cleaning, fixing a leaking pipe, or a wooden bench, it is clear that if one has to survive, necessary life skills are a must-have. So, the first and most important lesson that comes to my mind for this list is to be self-reliant. One cannot always depend on others to get things done. 

B – Breathe

When stressed, it is said that our breathing slows down, or it becomes irregular. As simple as it may sound, taking a few deep breaths makes me feel at peace and mindful of my thoughts and helps to put things in perspective. I have understood the importance of focusing on my breathing in moments of stress or anxiety.

C – Collaboration 

Being self-reliant is not an option for many, especially those who are older and weaker. In such cases, what we really need to do is to collaborate and support each other to the best of our abilities. Whether at home or office, problems or challenges become easier to resolve through collaboration. For those who are healthy and young, it's our responsibility to be there for their support. And remember, charity begins at home!

D – Digitalization

There is a meme that has gone viral, and I am not surprised. It truly sums up the current situation on a lighter note.

The organization I work with has been going through its own digital transformation journey for the last two years. In a way, we were more than ready when COVID-19 took the world by storm and displaced our work economies, work lives, and workplaces. At the beginning of March, we were probably among the first group of organizations to announce work from home. After that, the organization has continuously instituted programs for the staff to remain socially connected through Coffee Break sessions 2-3 times a week and provide free online resources to keep us skilled and reskilled. We also were able to advance the launch of a slew of digital offerings for our customers that were in the pipeline. We made our certification exams available from home through online proctor testing when testing centers were closed.

Moreover, we have provided free resources and courses to our members for upskilling, given the difficult times our customers are going through. In a nutshell, we have been able to ease our stakeholders' lives despite what the world has been going through. All this was possible only because we were digitally able. I cannot stress enough the criticality of being digitally savvy and technologically mature, not just for organizations but also for individuals. Many organizations have had to reinvent and focus on being agile for staying relevant to their stakeholders. Those with no appetite or hunger for business agility will probably not be able to survive the COVID-19 storm.

E – Empathy

 "Empathy" may become one of the hot contenders for the most popular word in 2020 (after Corona, Covid-19, and Positive). I have learned that even when I am strapped for TLC and practicing compassion may seem arduous, I must remember that the energy moves in circles. What goes around also comes around in some form or other. So, pay it forward, I say!

F – Family

Staying indoors, being with their own folks more than ever, seeing them 24/7, has been a challenge for some. However, for me, it has highlighted the value of near and dear ones more than ever.

One should treasure their presence, whether in the same physical space, over long-distance phone calls, or even video conference calls. They are your real source of happiness and joy that we should cherish for as long as possible. In the last four months, I have been privileged to enjoy the presence of my family (parents and in-laws) at home. Also, regular video calls with cousins, and family members spread across different parts of Mumbai, different cities, and even countries, have completely energized me and made my day. At the end of the day, what really matters is how you cherish your relationships.

G – Gratitude

I have realized that a negative thought can be immediately nipped in the bud. How? By accepting and being thankful for all the privileges, I enjoy that many would die for. By practicing gratitude, it just puts things in perspective. It makes me realize the pettiness of my worries and the irrelevance of negative thoughts.

H - Hygiene 

Washing hands for 20 seconds, wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and washing objects that are entering homes with soap water, may have seemed like a bizarre scene from an "Apocalypse Now" type movie before COVID-19. But today, it is a harsh reality. My respect to all those who have consistently practiced it for the past 120 plus days. Because it is not just about protecting our individual self but also others around us and ensuring the virus does not spread.

I – Interests and Hobbies

Being drowned in office and housework has strained many of us. The day starts and ends with work and leaves us exhausted to do anything else but fall off to sleep at night. In these times, even though I have not been able to spend any time on my hobbies, that's one thing I highly recommend to anyone who has some free time at hand. 

I say this because more than ever, with many folks being restricted at home, there is a feeling of restlessness and helplessness. For those who are not busy and have never had a passion for any interest or hobby, this empty space is like a devil's workshop. I have heard many people have become depressive, having been restricted at home with nothing to do. So, pick up a hobby, it's never too late.

J – Joys

Being stuck at home and not enjoying the outdoors can really restrict the number of enjoyable options for a person like me who borders on being an extravert. Instead of deriving joys from the external environment, I have learned to focus on simple pleasures that were not available to me earlier. For example, warm conversations over lunch with family members on weekdays, catching the bird calls/sightings from our window, enjoying the fresh breeze coming through in the mornings and evenings, soaking in the soothing patches of greenery around us, and so much more.

K – Karma

It may sound preachy, but I think COVID-19 is nothing but results of the Karma of the entire human race. For me, this is a warning for us to take care of our Mother Earth and treat her gently and responsibly. Be good. Think good. Do good. Period!

L – Less is More

More than ever, I have understood how our house is filled with more than we require. I have learned the unimportance of having so many clothes in the wardrobe, many footwear in the shoe rack, and many other sundry items that we can live without. The focus is now to declutter and recycle. And before buying any non-essential items, ask me - Do I really need them? Mantra is Recycle. Reuse. Repair.

M – Meditation

I recently took a 21-day meditation challenge, which a friend invited me to, and believe me, it was like a breath of fresh air. A refreshing experience altogether. It meant just 15 minutes of me-time every day, it really charged me up, and I learned a simple yet profound lesson. By being focused on staying in the present and being mindful can bring a lot of clarity, a better perspective, and also solutions to your unanswered questions.

N – Negativity

Stay away from negativity. Especially the toxic news in the media, and people with negative vibes. Thankfully, these two are not invisible like the virus, and we can avoid both easily.

O – Obedience

Following the self-distancing rules and being obedient to the safety guidelines is the best policy to be followed. Being compliant is not being foolish and submissive and in no way hinders freedom. It means showing respect to others and fulfilling your responsibility to the best of your ability. I know of some folks who took these guidelines rather lightly and are now paying the consequences. Sometimes we learn from other's mistakes.

P – Pivot

Acceptance of the current situation at the earliest and ability to pivot quickly to the new way of living is another lesson I have learned. How agile are we in thoughts and actions will keep us ahead of the curve rather than complaining about the challenges and problems at hand.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

Q – Quietness

I have learned to cherish the quietness in our neighborhood. The sweet chirping of the birds, the barren roads, streets without people, and the absence of car honking, we have forgotten to be thankful for. Didn't we always wish for the atmosphere of the countryside in our own city? Here it is! So, let's enjoy it till it lasts.

R – Resilience

Each one of us has been tested to our limits. Whether old or young, healthy or disabled, rich or poor has been at the receiving end. In a way, this pandemic has been a great leveler in many respects. However, one thing I have learned is resilience is what separates the wheat from the chaff. This is the only thing that will help us to keep our heads above water and stay alive. 

S – Self- care

The importance of having strong immunity was always known. But now, more than ever, having or not having good health can be a life and death situation, has been a revelation. Not just to fend off the virus but also to recover from it faster, in case affected. It all boils down to proper nutrition, meditation, and physical activity to keep fit. In a nutshell, I have learned the importance of self-care and investing in my health regularly. If I am not healthy, this journey is going to be more arduous, and moreover, I will not be able to take care of those dependent on me.

T – Transparency

Only if we had known about COVID-19 before it spread to other countries. Only if we knew what precautions to take to stop the spread. Only if we knew the real numbers that were affected. Only if there was transparency!

This is one big lesson for me as an individual.

U – Upskilling

We may find some industries as well as professions becoming redundant or resized along with job losses. No one has that crystal ball yet to show us what the next month would look like, let alone next year or next five years. A common question on everyone's mind. However, all I can deduce based on the past four months is no one can continue to live under the rock i.e., not get upskilled. I know now that more than ever, I will need to continually focus on what I am good at (or not), what skills I need to acquire that will help me to stay relevant now and in the future.

V – Virtual reality

Who knew that wearing pajamas or shorts for office meetings would become the new norm? Who knew that virtual water cooler conversations would also become part of the company's policy? Who knew that not having a digital presence would make them non-existent? Who knew that school/office buildings would become redundant? Who knew that blaming traffic for being late would become a lame excuse? Who knew that the friendly tap on the back or a handshake would become a taboo? Virtually no one, right! So many things unlearnt and learned in this virtual world.

W – Wander

I love traveling, whether in our own backyard, city, country, or outside the country. However, the past four months has made me realize the importance of the freedom I enjoyed in regular times. Being a true wanderer, I have realized that I can still travel to all the beautiful places. How? Reminiscing the beautiful memories, flipping through my mind's photo album, and bringing them to life and living those experiences all over again. 

X – Xtremes

Everything that I have done, whether domestic or office duties, has been extra plus compared to four months ago. Simultaneously, there are diametrically opposite cases where businesses have stopped functioning, and the staff has been asked to go; as they have become extra. 

Life has become difficult in extremes for sure.

Y – Yoga

The most important and yet most understated in terms of benefits is Yoga. And in the last four months, I have understood why Yoga needs to be brought more in my life. Not just as a form of physical or breathing exercise but in many other aspects. There is so much I need to unravel and learn on this subject. I have promised myself that whatever turn my life takes, I will remain a lifelong student of Yoga.

Z – ZOOM 

Who knew that our life would be all about zoom in and zoom out? Pardon the pun, but working on my laptop almost the whole day and having office meetings on platforms such as Zoom, Webex and Microsoft Teams has become a different ball game altogether. That reminds me I need to get my eye(balls) checked. Oh no, the doc's appointment needs to be scheduled on Zoom.