Meg’s 2020 Year End Reflections

Wow! What a year! To me 2020 felt like a cross between a marathon and Ground Hog Day. I sure will be glad to see it fade away in the rear view. Click here for the video version of my 2020 Year End Message.

It seems like eons ago I celebrated New Years with my family on a beach in Mexico. Back then ‘Corona’ meant beer; words like ‘bubble’ and ‘zoom’ had a very different connotation than they do now; and no one could have foreseen the marriage of the words ‘social’ and ‘distance’; and when mask wearing was the exception – not the norm! Talk about a hard re-set!

One thing 2020 has done well is demonstrate the importance of our health and family.  All those other shiny distractions that usually capture our attention have lost their lustre in the new scheme of things.

The pandemic has shone a bright light on the close connection of our mental and physical health. While the virus may not get us, the isolation from friends, family and daily routine will take its toll. Now more than ever, we are reminded of how important it is to put ourselves on our priority list. We need to stay strong by refueling our own tank when it gets depleted – while being mindful and supportive of those around us. What each of us needs is different. While we are all in the same squall, each of us is paddling a different canoe!

So, what positives can we takeaway from this experience as the second wave of the virus crashes over our bows? To me it is our common humanity. What threatens us also unites us. Never in my lifetime have I witnessed such a collective threat to our wellbeing. All this from an invisible foe that loves to crash a party and wreak havoc on all who it encounters!

2020 has taught me about the strength of the human spirit; and our resourcefulness when facing a collective threat. Over the past few months I was so inspired hearing stories from people on the front lines of healthcare,  education and Not for Profits organizations across the continent who gave their all  to keep their patients, students, colleagues and communities safe.

This year we will all celebrate and experience the Holiday Season in new and unusual ways. So, while it won’t be what we might hope for, we will have the time to reflect on what is important and to look forward knowing that we will come through this stronger and wiser than before!

May the lights shine bright for you this Holiday Season!