So Long 2020!
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this year has all been part of a bizarre, sweaty dream. It’s been quite a ride. Before we file it away consider the following questions:
What did you find challenging this year?
Keeping a lid on my anxiety was an initial challenge. Having different boundaries from friends around what is and isn’t acceptable in a pandemic, keeping my kids away from other kids, school from home, less space and generally the overwhelming uncertainty that came with being in my first pandemic!
What did you realize this year?
I realized I’m lucky to have the relationships I do with my husband and children. We’ve been a tight 4 without holidays, babysitters and school for many months and we’ve done just fine, which is something to celebrate! I experienced a truly special time with my kids that I wouldn’t have chosen, but also wouldn’t have had if they had been at school.
I accepted that I couldn’t offer great words of wisdom or find a solution for people who have had a really tough time of it this year. In order for people to fulfill the need to be safe they had to let the need for connection go by the wayside. Holing up when you have a bucket list that needs attention or when you are single and away from family has been quite the social experiment.
I realized that even though a brunch with friends in the beginning of the year had us all making plans, 2020 had different plans that were far out of my control.
And I’ve realized we all need to do our part to make a better world. The planet doesn’t need us to continue revolving….quite the opposite.
Who will you be when we re-enter a somewhat different world?
Before the pandemic, my attitude to certain things was “take it or leave it.” However, after things were taken from me, there is clarity on what I’ll be claiming when things do go back to the new normal. I want the connection, community and belonging. I want to be generous with my time and space and I am committed to pushing the limits of what is possible for me.