There is a rapidly increasing number of our senior citizens that has no recollection whatsoever of the great depression which ran from October 24, 1929 to 1941. And, today, our youngest generation has no firsthand knowledge of the attack on the twin towers on September 11, 2001. These two horrendous events did more in our recent history to reshape our daily lives than most other tragic happenings.

There is no doubt that for most Americans who lived through either of these events, the routine of their daily lives and activities shifted into a Plan B, whether it was consciously or subconsciously. Yet, within the weeks and months to follow the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the majority of folks slowly slipped back into their old routines, forgetting the lessons to be learned from the attack. They left their Plan B and returned to their old ways. Within several months, while many American flags had been patriotically flown throughout the cities and countryside immediately after the attack, slowly they began to disappear from view. Folks had eased back into the laid-back lifestyle they had been comfortable with for so long.

Now we find ourselves in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. For many, it is a great inconvenience, but for many others it is a real problem. Whether we realize it or not, we have been forced into a Plan B. What I would suggest is that we recognize this and take some time to think through and develop your own personal Plan B based on your own individual circumstances and your family’s circumstances.

In varying degrees, we all can use a little “belt-tightening.” Look at your expenses and cut out the frivolous expenditures for now, and even consider not incurring them in the future when the virus has been defeated and our country’s economy is back on track. If possible, consider consolidating some debts to lower your current outgo.

Get healthy! We are fortunate to live in Northcentral Pennsylvania and in such a rural setting. Hiking, biking, hunting and fishing are all activities that get us outside in the fresh air and where we don’t have to be hanging out with crowds of people. Lycoming County and the neighboring counties provide a marvelous backdrop to get the exercise we all need. Hunting and fishing can provide some premium protein in the form of fish and game meats that are much healthier for you to eat than some of the products that are loaded with all of those government approved chemicals!

Reconnect with family. Get back in touch with those you have not seen or heard from recently. Check on older neighbors or friends who might already be housebound and in need of help getting food and other necessities. Rekindle relationships that have been idle for too long — it is friends and family that will help us all get through this current ordeal.

Make your own Plan B. Write down the list of important points of your plan. Review it. Revise it. And, most importantly, keep it and refer to it even after this pandemic has passed and we all can return to a more normal lifestyle once more. One of the great tragedies that can occur after the coronavirus has been overcome is that we forget how difficult times can sneak into our lives without warning.

A Plan B will allow each of us to plan ahead for bumps in the road. The great thing is that once your Plan B is formalized, you can relax and enjoy your daily activities knowing that you have planned for whatever might come your way and you can now focus on relaxing a bit and spending time on the important things in life.

In the meanwhile, we can all be thankful that we live where we do and the current numbers of people in our area who have contracted the coronavirus are very few indeed, as compared to numerous locations across the country. Be smart, be safe and stay healthy.