One Whole Year of What The Actual *!@#?
Editor’s Note: This was originally published in the March 25, 2021 Newsletter.
Did you think we wouldn't talk about the Pandemiversary?
Well, that was a year. As spring arrives in Washington and I reach for the Claritin, I'm also marking a lot of "one year since" moments. We all are. I'm committed to holding onto the growth of this year as I move intentionally forward. I know that if I don't make a conscious effort for difference I'll revert to old habits. And I refuse to waste the hard work of a year that has brought challenges for all of us and irreparable loss for so many.
There are things I can't get back. My son will not get to have the on-campus college experience we hoped for. My mother's health will never be the same. I really wanted to take that beachside vacation with my best friend and my nieces. And there are things I refuse to give up. The monthly gathering of Ignatian friends that became weekly and has kept me sane. The new and re-shuffled friendships, both personal and professional. An increased sense of confidence in my own choices and values, even when they are not shared.
Last year there was a lot of talk about moving into a brave new world after the pandemic. We had individual and collective epiphanies: Family! Health! Mindfulness! Hobbies! As distractions creep back in, what will we hold onto? As the days lengthen, vaccines are administered, and we see hope's feathers start to stir, consider what you want to keep.
Each of us needs to make those decisions for ourselves. We're sharing some resources to support that work - and we'd love to know what you learn from the process.
Processing the Pandemic Year
It's been a year of conflicting emotions. Many of us have shared stories of silver linings and hidden blessings, as well as confusion and loss. It's important we allow ourselves to experience these contradictions. Joe Berkowitz captured them well in Fast Company. Only by sitting in complexity can we begin to understand it.
This year we've deeply examined business trends and choices; reimagined our relationship with technology (this quiz is a great tool to measure how healthy that relationship is); transformed how we discuss mental health and wellbeing; and opened a broad conversation about race, equity, and opportunity.
We know we're not "back to normal" - we're not even finding the next normal yet - so take some time to design your own best new normal. In this worksheet, we help you consider:
What has changed in your work life? After the initial shock of unchosen change, we've found new patterns that aren't all bad! Take time to identify the good stuff.
How have you re-prioritized at home? (Re)discovered hobbies, (re)negotiated relationships, (re)imagined possibilities. We've found new things and re-found old ones!
What new skills or knowledge have you acquired? You are stronger than you were a year ago. You have new skills. I promise! Documenting them is a great boost for self-confidence - and an accelerator for career success.
Don't miss the opportunities provided by this time of liminality!
“In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between them, there are doors.”
― William Blake