The Year No One Saw Coming ....
This past year has been challenging to say the least. We have been challenged mentally, socially, ethically, morally and we have been forced to pause and open our eyes, our hearts and our minds. The year began with a global pandemic that halted the world in its tracks. The economy shut down, people were asked to stay home, to avoid social interaction. Some lost their jobs, students lost opportunities at school – the life we all had become accustomed to was turned upside down.
As we all embraced being alone together, to flatten the curve we saw humanity peak through again. People helping others, caring for others, supporting others …
Until we didn’t.
We saw humanity at its ugliest. Although injustice occurs in so many parts of the world, we were witness to it in our own backyards. People being judged and killed due to assumptions, discrimination and ignorance.
Then we were woken again.
Families of all backgrounds stood up. Began to fight for change through protesting, donating and educating.
Leslie Dwight articulated it so well:
Then we were woken again.
Families of all backgrounds stood up. Began to fight for change through protesting, donating and educating.
Leslie Dwight articulated it so well:
What if 2020 isn't cancelled
What if 2020 is the year we've been waiting for?
A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw – that it finally forces us to grow/
A year that screams so loud, finally awakening us from our ignorant slumber.
A year we finally accept the need for change.
Declare change. Work for change. Become the change.
A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart.
2020 isn't cancelled, but rather the most important year of them all.
What if 2020 is the year we've been waiting for?
A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw – that it finally forces us to grow/
A year that screams so loud, finally awakening us from our ignorant slumber.
A year we finally accept the need for change.
Declare change. Work for change. Become the change.
A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart.
2020 isn't cancelled, but rather the most important year of them all.
It is OK to ask questions, it is OK to admit you don't know everything or understand. What we can do for our future is encourage change for the better. We have the opportunity to rebuild what is broken while showing our children the cracks we have discovered. Learn from them. Mend them. And be there for them.
So for 2021, we ask that you take the best of what happened, the lessons learned, the silver lining of the darkest moments and build on them. Together we are stronger, together we can support one another, and together we can help make the year ahead better and brighter in so many ways.
From our families to yours, wishing you a better year ahead, filled with love, laughter, good health and the strength to keep going.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash