Can I get a “Whew Lawd?!?””

I know it’s trite, but it is so beyond true that it’s not even cliche anymore: 2020 will be remembered for its twin numbered polarity – a global pandemic, job loss, death, the U.S. elections, and the complete brakes on routine and community.

Here is my message to you (and to me):

Our Healthcare Workers – We clapped every evening in Midtown Atlanta for months at 8 pm to salute you. Across the country, gifts of thankfulness were poured at your steps even though we didn’t have the proper medical gear to protect you. Claps and gifts aren’t enough. We appreciate you, and I hope ALL of our actions mirror the practices that you want to see us do, as you know the difference it will make. I hope you know that your efforts are not in vain, and we pray you are making mental space for yourself and your thoughts. We can’t imagine what nearly a year of this can do to someone. Please let us know how we can care for you. 

Parents & Caretakers – I will say this for years to come: YOU are the reason why the world has not crumbled. How you watch a child, parent, or someone with special needs and protect them from an invisible foe will always make you a hero in my book!

Your patience, ability to pivot, and caring ways have made this time more than bearable and hopefully earned some time capsule moments.

Teachers – Thank you for loving what you do and working so hard to create an experience that mirrors the classroom. You are life changers day in and day out. 

Our Essential Workers – Each day you rise to the occasion, transporting workers, helping with groceries; shopping for those shut-in. You are silent and carry our society on your back. Please let me issue a proper thank you.

My Hospitality Industry folks – My prayer is your prayer that all businesses bounce back in these winter months and create even more opportunities for you. Use this time to also think about using some of your other talents to discover different ways to add to your income. What is the hidden talent you haven’t been using? Are you a writer and can sell articles on Fiverr or Upwork? Are you a singer and create jingles for companies? Are you an impeccable concierge? Maybe it is time to look at creating relationships that direct you into strengths and passions. 

Clergy – You have led your flock at such a faith-trying time. Thank you for your spiritual fortitude.

And me – I want to thank me for serving, giving, loving, cherishing, helping, and moving people on. Now make sure you thank yourself right…. here. 

It was in thinking about people, in thinking about struggles, in thinking about hurt, and in thinking about resilience; I realized my word of the year for 2021.

Some of you know that every year I have my Blessings Jar, see the video here, and in that Blessings Jar, it is filled with the previous year’s days that have created some slice or bucket of heaven on a single 24 hour period. Every year, I empty them out at the beginning of the year and go through reminiscing about the moments that I consciously captured to reflect upon.

On the outside of the jar, I write Blessing Jar and the year, and on the side in a vertical position, I put my Word of the Year or W.O.Y)

The word of the year is Audit. This year has caused me to edit. Every. Single. Thing.  

From how we wash our clothes, to the efficiency of our wardrobe, the review of our spending, the function of our space – we are auditing day in and day out.

My Audit is to audit my access, reflect and follow up with no action or implementation. 

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This year, I am not opening my jar for a little while. 2020 was numbing and reflective. It put a mirror up to us as humans. I felt so guilty for flourishing when I knew so many had and are continuing to suffer.

What was your biggest lesson from 2020?  

Share and let’s talk about it.