As 2020 comes to a close, it is important to take time and reflect.  By definition, reflection is serious thought or consideration.  Each December, many of us begin to contemplate the year behind us and what lies ahead for the future.  Last December, there was so much excitement around things coming up in the new year.  People were looking forward to having Halloween on a Saturday and Christmas and New Year’s falling on a Friday which led to a long weekend for many.  

What people didn’t predict was being thrust into a pandemic that forced us and our communities to redefine the concept of a “new normal.”   I am not here to discuss whether closing schools or wearing masks was the correct answer.  Let’s look instead at what we’ve learned.  What is clear is that our schools need better plans around distance learning and our current system of education is outdated.  In regards to distance learning, we quickly discovered that the infrastructure to provide reliable and affordable internet is inconsistent at best.  Ultimately, life changed for all of us in some way, shape and form.

Aside from missing extended family and friends, 2020 has not hit as hard as it has for some and for that I’m grateful.  I made the hard decision to leave a role where I was underutilized and not valued to take a leap of faith and bet on myself.  I have talked about consulting for years but my fear and worry always prevented me from making the jump, although I knew it’s where my passion would best be suited.  

My husband and I have had the privilege of being home with our two children.  Life has slowed down some but believe me, we are still busy.  We have truly appreciated having more quality time together.  It has always been evident to us that the years we have raised our children would go quickly, but you never truly realize how much so until 11, almost 12 years have passed in a blink of an eye.

As much as we all want to forget 2020, please take time to reflect on this past year.  How will you choose to view 2020?  We want to be more purposeful in helping our children focus on what is important to them and how to spend their energy as they take their cues from us. How do you want your children to respond?  We can spend hours on all the things we have lost or appreciate everything we still have or may have gained. 

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