There’s also optimism

The most important thing I’ve witnessed over the past three decades spent building a multi-billion-dollar corporation on four different continents, is the resilience of our human race. We fall down. But we always get back up. The battle against Covid is not different.

It’s been a long haul since mid-March. And now there is an approved vaccine -- with others on the way.

Moreover, for those with Covid, there are sophisticated treatments reducing the fatality rates. Incredible and hopeful!

Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant to protect ourselves and our neighbors from increasing the number of infections.

Health care facilities and professionals are being pressed and leaned on as never before. They are tired but fighting the fight. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude.

But this opinion is not about the trials and tribulations of the last nine months, it’s about optimism and celebrating the power of humanity. As humans, we’ve not only overcome and solved the riddle of how to beat this virus, but we have the capacity to pause and think about how to create an even better life for ourselves, our families and our community.

Let’s start with you. If you are reading this, you’ve made it through the gauntlet. You’re alive.

Yes, there may be additional health and psychological challenges still to be fought... but the past nine months give me hope that whatever time we have on this planet, we can make it better for ourselves. Eat a little healthier, walk a little bit more, cut back a little on those things you already know aren’t good for you.

Most importantly, try to figure out what those triggers are that cause you not to take care of yourself in the way you know you should. Not easy, I know...I struggle myself! But, I don’t stop trying. Nor should any of you!

Then there is financial improvement. We are months away from the world blossoming again. The economy may go through its ups and downs, but my crystal ball tells me we have another “roaring 20’s” coming again! Travel, entertainment, restaurants, theaters, sports, and so many other industries will open and flourish soon!

So, who among us can start to imagine how to participate? There will be a surge of wealth creation, job openings, and becoming financially independent if you work hard to be part of it.

Look around that curve in the road (the future!) and ask yourself, “How can I participate”? Finish school? Update the resume? Change jobs and join a growth industry? Invest time or money in those industries you think will flourish? Now is the time to make a plan. The world opens again in the very near future.

And lastly, the sense of loneliness, disparity, boredom, melancholy, diminishment will be lessened. It won’t go away entirely for everyone, but the opportunity to socialize, physically embrace, care for one another, in person, will be cathartic and healthy.

What a joy it will be see friends and family, and finally express in person all that you have felt and want to feel.

When I read about the vaccine, I don’t pay attention to the politics and conspiracies... instead, I see triumph and cause for celebration!

The future can, will, and must, be brighter. I’ll do my part to build teams to make that happen.

All of us, I believe should be part of that effort. Be well, be safe, be vigilant, be positive, and think creatively...all of us can prosper in our own ways going forward.

Congratulations to the human race!

Per Ardua Ad Astra!

Andrew T. Berlin

Investor, Chicago Cubs

Chairman/CEO, Berlin Packaging, Retired

Chairman/Owner Minor League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs