01/03/2021
Reflection time🙏🏼
2020 has finally come to an end. The past year has been...bizarre? What’s really the best word here? The pandemic quite literally affected the whole world with everyone feeling the impact of its devastation in some form or fashion; sociocultural movements challenged us all to engage in or, at the very least, pay attention to difficult yet necessary conversations about who we are as a people; and an election that even more so challenged us to have conversations that, though absolutely necessary, were ones that forced us to step out of our comfort zones.
And that’s just the large-scale, globally-significant craziness...and only SOME of it. Think of all the challenges, redirections, and volatility we dealt with on a local level...and, even more so, on a personal level!
EVERYBODY’S reality was challenged, redirected, and even humbled. Many were dealt awful setbacks; some found themselves struggling with emotional lows that seemed all but hopeless; and others were faced with questions about themselves, what the next steps looked like, and how to navigate through the epitome of unprecedented circumstances.
My challenge to you is to look for and truly embrace the positives that came about in the face of these chaotic times. Yes, the disease and lives lost due to the pandemic are absolutely tragic - and in no way do I intend to belittle the loss suffered by so many. My intention is to encourage you to cherish the moments, the relationships, and the opportunities taken that kept us going, made us stronger, and kept us moving forward to get through the past year no matter what.
In 2020, I’ve developed new friendships that are so wonderfully special; I took a chance following passion of mine and it has developed into the start of a new career path that I am LOVING; and I married the love of my life.
I’m glad 2021 is here and I’m beyond excited to see where these paths takes me. I’m truly grateful for all the wonderful people in my life - family, friends, new friends, and friends I haven’t met yet.
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and very happy new year
Much love
-Patrick