I’m sure I’m not alone when in comes to reflecting on the past at this time of year.
Like a book, we reference the past chapters of our lives as we do our best to commit to bettering the narrative of our life’s story moving forward.
The past two years have frustrated me. Much of what I’ve wanted to achieve has been postponed or outright cancelled due to a world of pandemic-induced chaos. Much of what I looked forward to experiencing has been pushed beyond my reach and many of the things that I enjoy have been unattainable.
But that doesn’t mean these last two years lacked value.
There were lessons learned as we all adapted to a new world of caution. We learned new ways of communicating. Zoom and Skype meetings replaced the rush-hour dash for a 9 a.m. staff meeting. Meetings with staff or clients still happen, but now we do it from our own individual offices or homes.
I think everyone has had a crash course on how best to avoid spreading illnesses – not just COVID, but the flu, colds, or any other viral infections as well.
I think a lot of us also learned that no matter how skilled we may be at our jobs, those jobs can be taken from us through no fault of our own. We have learned the importance of having a few months' rent or mortgage payments sitting in our savings accounts. We also learned how important it is to not overextend ourselves financially.
Moving forward into 2022, there is hope that we can all move on. No one wants this year to be a repeat of the past two. We aren’t meant to repeat every year the same as the previous. That wouldn’t be living, but simply putting in time. It is important to remember though, that although we shouldn’t live in the past, any lessons we learned from the hardships we’ve endured – or the mistakes we’ve made – should be carried forward in our life’s journey.
It was with these thoughts in mind that I, as well as many others, still celebrated the passing of 2021. Not because we had a particular fondness for it, but because by celebrating the end of it, it precedes a new beginning. Although the environment in which we move forward is not a perfect one by any means, we can seek improvement through moving forward.
It’s never too late to be what you want to be or can be. It is never too late to embrace what might have been. We are each the author of our own stories. We each possess the power to change the narrative of our lives toward one of fulfillment. Not by wishing it so, but by doing so.
As we kick off 2022, I have high expectations for a much better year. I know the strength of this community and what it is capable of. Let’s make the chapter of 2022 one of excitement, growth, opportunity, and warm memories that will bring a tear to our eye when we bid it farewell.
No, we can’t change the stories of our past. But moving forward, we can ensure we create stories that make us laugh, make us proud and offer positive spirit to others.
Happy New Year.
