Back in the Swing of Things
 
It’s a funny phrase – “back in the swing of things.”  Merriam-Webster defines it as “fully involved and comfortable with (a regular activity).” The idiom originates in the 19th Century, and some sources have linked it to the idea that, like a pendulum, there is a natural rhythm of a person’s life. When we are “off” for a bit, we can get back into the swing of things. It has a positive connotation, as in getting back to something you enjoy.
 
Each week, it seems I have this conversation with someone I encounter – are we back in the swing of things following the pandemic? The answer is a unanimous “no.”
There are some positive signs. You’ve probably read about the Great Resignation. Millions of Americans quit their jobs during the pandemic, saying they’re tired of low pay and long hours. But now, the unemployment rate is down to around 4%, people are returning to sporting events and concerts, and a large majority of kids are back for in-person instruction in school.
 
While this is good news, one survey in March noted that only a third of Americans have returned to pre-pandemic routines. I have noticed that people are slow to sign up for activities. I’m not sure it’s related to a fear of COVID, as studies show that fewer and fewer people are as concerned about the pandemic as they once were. I think people became comfortable with slowing down and clearing a few events off their calendars.
 
Our biggest challenge as Rotarians in April of 2022 is this: how can we get our clubs back in the swing of things? How can we rededicate ourselves to working hard to better our community and our world with Service Above Self?
 
We’re looking forward to exciting events ahead – great Tuesday noon meetings, Thirsty Thursdays with built-in service projects, and work in the community including the very fun Brookings Marathon! And on May 31 we will have a very special celebration of our club’s “100% Paul Harris Fellows” designation. Let’s be sure to put Rotary back on our calendars and get back in the swing of things!
 
-President Don
Back in the Swing of Things
 
It’s a funny phrase – “back in the swing of things.”  Merriam-Webster defines it as “fully involved and comfortable with (a regular activity).” The idiom originates in the 19th Century, and some sources have linked it to the idea that, like a pendulum, there is a natural rhythm of a person’s life. When we are “off” for a bit, we can get back into the swing of things. It has a positive connotation, as in getting back to something you enjoy.
 
Each week, it seems I have this conversation with someone I encounter – are we back in the swing of things following the pandemic? The answer is a unanimous “no.”
There are some positive signs. You’ve probably read about the Great Resignation. Millions of Americans quit their jobs during the pandemic, saying they’re tired of low pay and long hours. But now, the unemployment rate is down to around 4%, people are returning to sporting events and concerts, and a large majority of kids are back for in-person instruction in school.
 
While this is good news, one survey in March noted that only a third of Americans have returned to pre-pandemic routines. I have noticed that people are slow to sign up for activities. I’m not sure it’s related to a fear of COVID, as studies show that fewer and fewer people are as concerned about the pandemic as they once were. I think people became comfortable with slowing down and clearing a few events off their calendars.
 
Our biggest challenge as Rotarians in April of 2022 is this: how can we get our clubs back in the swing of things? How can we rededicate ourselves to working hard to better our community and our world with Service Above Self?
 
We’re looking forward to exciting events ahead – great Tuesday noon meetings, Thirsty Thursdays with built-in service projects, and work in the community including the very fun Brookings Marathon! And on May 31 we will have a very special celebration of our club’s “100% Paul Harris Fellows” designation. Let’s be sure to put Rotary back on our calendars and get back in the swing of things!
 
-President Don