HR Newsletters 2020

So, why share with you the highlights of Frankl’s life? Because in his book, he identifies three phases of the newcomer adapting to life in the concentration camp that speaks to any time of uncertainty:

1. Shock or denial during initial admission. 2. Apathy towards others. 3. Depersonalization, bitterness, and disillusionment for fellow survivors.

Although our recent experiences don’t hold a candle to what Dr. Frankl experienced, there is an argu- ment that shock is shock. Uncertainty is uncertainty. Upheaval is upheaval. So what can be gleaned from the incomprehensible experiences of Viktor Frankl as related to our lives? We’ve all experienced a level of shock. We’ve been asked to live a life that was unprecedented and unbelievable just a few months ago. Who of us ever would have foreseen schools, businesses, and churches shut down nationwide? Who would have predicted weddings and funerals being unattended? No gradua- tions? No spring break trips? Frankl would tell us to beware of apathy. As we endure what - for us - is an unprecedented situation, it can be so easy to just stop caring. People are tired. Kids are still home. Loved ones are scared. Masks are hot. Co-workers are isolated. Many are working harder than ever. It takes energy to care. To invest. To love. Some of us are short on energy. And we can see apathy waiting in a dark corner until we just don’t care any- more. Frankl would likely warn us against Apathy’s big brother - Bitterness. “Why is this happening?” “Why do we have to live this way?” When apathy is given a foothold, bitterness isn’t too far behind. And, honestly, there are so many reasons to be bitter right now .

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