July 2020. What can we honestly make of 2020? If you would have asked me in December 2019 what I planned to do in 2020, I would have said the following: 1) learn a new skill, 2) stop working on the weekends, 3) take one recreational trip each month, and 4) attend at least 3 professional development conferences. I would have talked about launching a new business, making new investments, losing 30 pounds, attending my first Chicago Bulls game, and hosting family and friends for routine game nights, cookouts, and movie nights. I was not prepared to discuss being sheltered in place or wearing face masks every time I left the home. While thankful for the option to work remotely, I would not have anticipated experiencing separation anxiety from friends and family. I would not have planned for inflated prices for hand sanitizer or the need to strategically plan my grocery store visits.
What has COVID19 taught me?
Flexibility is the standard not the alternative.
Privilege can be disrupted at any moment.
All people experience fear – we just process it differently.
Weekends are invaluable to my mental health.
Work-life balance allows me to revisit challenges with renewed creativity and innovation.
New Years’ resolutions should be built on mindset and intention rather than specific action.
I need grace every day, so I need to give grace every day.
Zoom meetings are fun and exhausting.
Technology is a gift to the human existence and can be leveraged in new ways.
#InTheGuarden we are constantly learning and exploring new ways of life. We are constantly reimagining lifestyle, policies, and culture. 2020 is proving to be a great time to do this.