Ok, I believe we can all agree that 2020 was like no other. As we wind down this year, what have you learned about yourself? Have you grown in any new areas? Have you found strengths you didn’t know you had? Or have you seen some weaker areas find their way to the surface as you struggled during this pandemic?
If you found new strengths, how can you build on them as we enter 2021? And if you saw some more vulnerable areas emerge, how can you learn and grow from them?
The end of each year is an opportunity for reflection. An opportunity to look back over the year and take “stock”. While I’m not a believer in New Year’s resolutions, I am an avid believer that we can all learn and grow from our wins and our losses.
I know no one wants another year like 2020. That being said, I have learned some very valuable lessons. I learned that practicing gratitude and looking for the “silver linings” helped me stay more positive than I thought possible at times. That being said, there were moments that were very emotionally challenging.
How did I get through those moments? I prayed. I cried. I couldn’t sleep some nights. I am blessed to have an amazing husband. I also have a great family and some very close friends who all were there to talk with when I needed them.
There were days that I had to make an effort to look for the good. I started making this my personal challenge. I spent the first “wave” of Covid searching thru the news to find stories about the positive things people were doing for each other. Things like the gatherings on the balconies in New York on a nightly basis. The help people were offering to others seeking jobs. The notes kids were writing to health care workers. I could go on and on. Despite, all the pain and suffering, the human spirit is amazing.
I kept busy. I signed up for a lot of webinars and almost felt like I was back in school. I also reconnected with old friends. For example, I reached out to four high school girlfriends who I hadn’t talked to in years. We’re now doing a Zoom book club together. So fun. I also joined a couple of different business networking groups and have been learning a lot connecting with different agency and marketing people. I did some pro bono work and hosted my first online webinar. Through this and other business challenges, I mastered some new computer skills. And I was able to continue to work with amazing clients via bloom.
As I write this on December 16, 2020, I feel blessed for what I have, not what I don’t have. Yes, I have to keep working to hold on to the positive, but I find it is so much healthier for me to look for the good versus focusing on the negative.
What worked to keep you going this year? What did you struggle with most? And what were your silver linings? I’d love to hear from you — [email protected]
Most importantly, my wish is that you have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and that 2021 brings you much joy and peace.
kristin