I am a big fan of the Indiana Jones films. I was excited to hear Harrison Ford will reprieve his iconic role one more time, admirably, at age 78. Like so many other things, the upcoming fifth installment is delayed because of Covid.

This news is both disappointing, and understandable. I long for a return to normal, but a big action film is best seen on the big screen. I crave a theater full of people. I want the whole experience. I want to be immersed in whatever doomed, lost, holy, skull crusade they’ve got planned, but now is not the time. Right now, the peril of our main character feels too much like real life. That’s night, real life is an edge-of-your seat thriller, with more plot twists than an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Real life is full of land mines, daring escapes, quicksand pits, and insurmountable obstacles. At least that’s how it feels in my life.

Yes, I am a whimsical creative person. I use grand gestures, and modulate my voice for impact, and dramatic effect, even when I’m alone. In my mind maze, life has mirrored an archeological/action/adventure movie. Sometimes, I even wear a really cool hat.

You probably thought I just stayed home. Well, you are right, but navigating business this past year, in an industry that has been completely shut down since last March, has created the highest stakes I have ever faced professionally. My industry is in an all-out fight for survival. The water is rising, the walls are closing in, and the oxygen is running low. The audience is rife with anticipation, as they wonder if we will live to see another day.

It is difficult to remain optimistic while trying to outpace the gigantic boulder threatening to roll over your livelihood. At every turn, there are more obstacles. Every time there is a glimmer of hope, it disappears. I have had to dig deep. We have all had to dig deep; so very deep. We have dug so deep, at times it feels like we are trapped in an inky damp pit. Thankfully, there are no snakes. So far.

We are resourceful, resilient, and persistent. I have to believe all is not lost, and it will not end in doom. I have to believe we will triumphantly rise. I just have to. If I’ve learned anything from Indy, it is there’s always a way out, so never give up.

Cue the inspirational John Williams theme song. Get me a really big whip.

To be continued…