Hello again. Thanks for coming back. And I hope I made you think a little bit last week.
I realized I should start by dealing with a possible misconception. I know, I’m Sister Mary Sunshine. But I’m clear: This year has been incredibly tough – for all of us.
Lest you think it’s been all rosy in the northwest, let me tell you a few things. I’ve been cranky, sad and anxious. I have also been astonishingly unmotivated. There was a time I was achievement motivated – when I cared deeply about deadlines. Although that’s a bit of a vague memory. I’ve instead become intimately acquainted with Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and the NYT’s spelling bee. Perhaps this is not true for you. I do know people that seem to have been consistently happy during this period. I’m not sure whether to be impressed or disbelieving.
But over and over again, I pull my head up from my Sudoku and remember how much I am still grateful for. So, back to the bright spots of this year.
- I’ve begun focusing on boundaries. Those of you that know me know that this is HARD FOR ME. I’m trying to say no more often, without endless apologies and guilt. Ugh. That said, I’m also trying to say yes – to fun things. Even when I’m tired. I encourage you to read Shonda Rhimes book, The Year of Yes.
- I’m also pushing ‘my’ boundaries on those things that I have said I don’t do. Again, taking risks. “I don’t cook” – but now I do, albeit not every night. “I don’t know how to fix things” – thanks to a dear friend (remember the dating part?) I now own a good drill and know how to use it. I even fixed my own toilet. “I can’t grow plants” – I have several beautiful color pots on my patio, and they are still alive. All that may not sound like much to most of you – but I’m not ashamed to say that it’s amazing for me. From what I’ve heard, many of you tried new things this year, or got better at others.
- I got healthier. I believed that if I moved someplace where everybody was active that I would become more so. I have and have actually lost weight during Covid. I believed that if I used Noom I would begin eating more healthily – I have. (Thanks, Beth, for recommending that I focus on nutrition instead of dieting.)
- I learned that I am more social than I thought. Turns out I can run out of introversion. I’m so grateful for those that helped me be social last year. I’m even grateful for Zoom. Well, most of the time…
- I have used every shred of mindfulness I have. I smelled countless roses – the flowers here are incredible. I enjoyed the view. I learned to just sit and pet my dog. I did some yoga. I even meditated some. I know I talk about mindfulness a lot, but boy has it been helpful to me – not only at home, but in the workplace. I became a much better leader when I learned to be present in conversations, rather than thinking about what I wanted to say.
- I found a modest condo with a gorgeous view (yes, trains go by regularly – it’s a small price to pay for the view). I can see the bay from my bedroom and am waking up earlier in the morning to enjoy it. I hope I never get tired of the beauty of this place – the mountains, the hills, the water, the trees, the sunsets, the flowers. Even the rain.
- I became clearer about the next chapter of my life. I enjoy being kind-of retired. I love being able to relax and drink coffee in the morning. I can take a break and go hiking. I’m clearer what I want to work on – I’m writing more, speaking more (if via Zoom), and I’m launching an executive coaching business – all with the goal of doing my little part to shape a world where people live wholeheartedly, where social equity and environmental justice are the norm, and where animals and people thrive together.
So that’s me. I could go on and on – which you know. But I want to turn to you. What are your silver linings?
I’ve heard many of you talk about the bright spots that emerged during this time. How you became closer to your families. How you had time and opportunity to talk with your children about difficult and important things. I’ve heard you talk about what you have learned about leadership. Empathy? The whole person? At work? I’ve been so impressed by people that have stretched their leadership skills during this time. I’ve heard about the amazing things you have wrought within your operations. I so admire you all.
Now, the challenge for all of us? How we let go of the not-so-good parts of this past year-ish, but keep the good parts. This is true personally, in how we move through the world, and at work. As life begins to get busier, it’s going to be harder. As we all have to re-orient ourselves to operating in a vaccinated country, it’s going to be harder. But remember there were some good things. That we paid dearly to find. Wouldn’t it be “horrible” to forget them? And not have some positive things come from this experience? Whereas we haven’t had much control this past year, *that* is something we have control over.
One benefit of great change is the opportunity to more easily implement more change. Let’s not miss this opportunity.
Well, thanks for listening. Gotta go – need to take a dog for a hike.
In gratitude,
Jackie
