Many things have changed since mandatory home working starting on March 16th 2020. For example, we work with two adults at home and our two children receive schoolteaching from home. Everything goes through Teams and Zoom, even the sport continues online. Fortunately, much is already possible through technology.

Since the beginning of February we have had flu and respiratory problems within the family, but fortunately no fever or further complaints. But it is the time of year when this happens more often and you don't know if something is Corona related or not. Fortunately, all family members are in good health and are still positive and we all keep it up well. Unfortunately, we also have a number of acquaintances who have been infected with the virus and a few have also died.

The new way of living (including keeping a distance of 1.5 meters everywhere) and working quickly became established. The first weeks we were all following the news about the crisis all the time, but after a few weeks you have heard and seen it all, and we got used to the new way of life and time and attention are paid to other things.

I do notice that especially in the IT industry in which I work it seems even busier than usual. There are more meetings online and you can easily work longer in the evening. It is really important to try to keep as many fixed time as possible and also to plan your rest but also movement well. Otherwise, work and private life overlap too easily if you work from home every day.

Unfortunately, it are of course mainly negative things that you hear and see. But there are also many positive changes in our society. You see the helpfulness of people and many initiatives that arise to help people in need. We also give each other more space literally and figuratively. Air pollution is considerably reduced worldwide and nature is alive everywhere. Hopefully these are all positive changes that will remain anchored in our society even after this crisis. We will have to wait and see if that is the case, but hope brings life!

I wish everyone a lot of strength in these times, especially the people who are alone at home. Try to keep the courage and take a walk whenever possible, especially now the weather is getting better (see also the photo of our beautiful Limburg landscape). It will take a while and it will also become less financially worldwide in the coming period, but I am convinced that we will all overcome this. How do I know that? We have no choice, we will have to move on. We will adapt and move on. Together we can do this!

Try to see all the bright spots that spontaneously arise in our new society!

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