2020 has been an interesting year all around the world, to say the least. Our world has changed so drastically and I don’t believe there is anyone that has been unaffected by the recent events. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened our focus and made us re-analyze careers, consumerism, family relationships and everything in between. It has been challenging for so many. Lost jobs and businesses, isolation, lost lives and uncertainty are all recurring themes. 

So with all of this upheaval, what is there to look forward to? I believe that there is hope. Even in the darkest of times, the human spirit rises to the occasion. There are so many positives that have come out of this collective experience.

 I learned never to take those we care about for granted. None of us are promised tomorrow and COVID was just a good reminder that we are all mortal and things can change in the blink of an eye. While we maybe cannot see or hug our loved ones like we used to, we can reach out and bring a smile to their faces with a call or text. Just to say “I am thinking of you.” And those hugs, when we can safely engage in them, will be a bit tighter and longer and so much sweeter because of our separation. 

I learned that we don’t have to be in the same place to be kind, communicate, spread joy or do business. We have found new channels and technology has helped to bring us together in new ways. 

We have learned to find solutions. The creativity and the tenacity of the human spirit continues to amaze me as we continue to quarantine. 

Our essential workers are amazing people! The professions that we previously took for granted–the medical professional, the grocery store clerks, the retail staff, the law enforcement officers and emergency personnel have risked their own lives during this pandemic. (And who decided that haircuts were non-essential?) There are so many that I am missing, but I don’t think we will look at these heroes the same way. We have a new found respect for those that serve others on a daily basis. 

Awareness and perspective have given us a new found look at our world. This shared experience has focused our  view of the world and those around us and changed our priorities. I hope that I can embrace the challenges and continue to learn and adapt to this changing environment. Even the hybrid threat groups have adapted to this new reality. (watch for new articles and episodes coming soon on that topic!)

We will get through this. Kindness, understanding and patience are all critical attributes as we adjust to our new realities. They change constantly, but I feel like we can be better, stronger, kinder and more resilient because of our collective experiences. 
What have you learned during 2020? I would love to hear your thoughts…