The Benefits of Crisis: How to Design New Opportunity

By Holly Lynn Payne

This is Part Two in a three-part series on Designing our Way Through Crisis. Please enjoy Part One, How to See and Seize the Design.

One year into the pandemic, the veil is beginning to lift. We’re recounting stories of horrific human and financial loss while also bearing witness to our individual and collective stories of resilience. A hidden gem was buried beneath the cascading negativity. We grew stronger and became more aware. The crisis took from us, but it gave to us, too.

"...being active in creating this agency is one sure way to regain a sense of control in the midst of crisis. Simply put, do something that restores your well-being."

The choice to see this duality enables the grief to co-exist with positive growth. Each aspect of post-traumatic growth requires us to become an agent in our own healing. Like grief and resilience expert Alison Gilbert mentioned in Part 1 of this series, being active in creating this agency is one sure way to regain a sense of control in the midst of crisis. Simply put, do some