2021 - Get it Together

I know you’re new at this, but 2021, please take a deep breath, pause, and start again. You see, there are a lot of us who are counting on you. We could not wait to kick 2020 out the door, and we’ve set some great expectations for the next 12 months.

We got through the holidays – most of us safe and sound, but not all. And it was such a weird experience trying to replicate our traditional gatherings over Zoom. We still played games - sitting in front of computers instead of sitting in chairs or being on the living room floor. We opened presents and thanked each other through the cameras on our laptops and tablets. We managed, knowing full well that if we adjusted just this once, we could hopefully all gather in the new year with everyone at the table, healthy and happy.

 I had decorated the house immediately after Thanksgiving wanting the sense of “joy” of the holidays. But I will admit I “de-Christmased” the house faster than ever. Packed it all away, back on the designated shelves downstairs—wreaths here, ornaments here, garland here.

I also cleared out the 2020 files. I shredded a lot of it in a sort of ritual cleansing. The file drawer closes easily now sans a couple of reams of paper! The new folders are ready to be filled. Pertinent information is gathered for taxes. Calendars updated and new schedules posted. 2020 is no more. 2021 is up next!

2020 wore me down. It took away so much fun, so much life, so much happiness. We’ve lost friends and family and crossed fingers and toes for others to recover. We hunkered down and tried to stave off the isolation. Worry was a constant. Every call and email began with - how are you?  Sleep, sometimes elusive. Enough!

I’m not one for resolutions. Instead, someone suggested choosing a word for the year. So I have – commit. I’m committing to eating better. I’m committing to writing more. I’m committing to finding some zen (a topic for another day.) Of course, I’m already committed to my client’s projects, and the class I’m teaching (how to teach advertising asynchronously is also a topic for another day.) 

2021 – we know we’re putting a lot on your shoulders. Don’t go looking in the past – there’s nothing to see there. You’re in charge of bringing hope, sanity, and yes, peace. Now I know that’s a tall order – but you’re young! YOU CAN DO THIS! You’re going to make mistakes (don’t get me started on the activities of the last week), but you can learn from them. Make adjustments and corrections. Then keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Many of us have started making plans, 2021. We’re looking forward to the shot in the arm (literally and figuratively) that’s coming our way. We’ve put down the deposit on the summer house. We’re planning trips to family summer weddings and graduations. Next Christmas  - we’ll let’s just say we plan on celebrating for several months. (Might even keep the decorations up until Valentine’s Day.)

2021 keep your head up and watch your step. There are still pitfalls, quagmires, and hills to climb. Scraped knees are inevitable. Headaches are part of the job. Keep a keen eye out for “Murphy.” You’re not in this alone. We’ll be there, right next to you. Let us know when you need help. Remind us that there is good in the world. I commit to listen. If you trip, we’ll set you back on track. When you’re afraid – we’ll scare off the boogieman. It’s not going to be easy. But each day you’ll get stronger. And so will we.