1 year and 2 days ago the word came to a halt as it was declared we were we in the throes of a global pandemic. Many people wondered if we were going to be home for a week or two or perhaps just a little over a month. I must confess with all my education I was not completely updated on the definition of what a pandemic was, so I did my research. I immediately began to tell people that I would see them in a year, or two and that we would be buckling down for a while.
Here we are slightly one year past that date and my office is still closed. There is no plan on reopening it just yet and even if they did, I mostly worked from home before so there is no great rush for me to get back inside the office building. I was supposed to travel heavily for work in 2020 and instead, after 3 early trips in January and February, I was grounded for the remainder of the year along with everyone else.
Last night my hubby and I were marveling at what a difference a year truly makes. We say it, but 2020 takes the trophy. At the end of February, we were gathered to celebrate my sister becoming a doctor and there was so much life, love, and energy in the room. Our family, both blood and Christian were in attendance. My birthday was just a few short weeks off and things were really looking up. Looking back, we partied as if we didn’t have a care in the world. I’m so glad that we did. If we had known what was in store for us, how would our countenance have been then?
In that year, I managed to keep myself from going crazy. I increased my time with my heavenly Father, and it has paid off in dividends. I only wish it hadn’t taken the world to shut down to give God what he has given me for so many years. Attention. When I focused on what He has had in store for me, doors began to swing open, and life changed.
For starters, I began this blog. It gave me an opportunity to expand what I may say in my personal journals to a broader audience in the hopes that I can help someone who may be going through a similar situation like myself. There is not a lot of commentary here week to week however I get calls and texts letting me know the level of engagement on those who are reading and being encouraged. So, I keep doing it. I also went back to school. Not once, but twice. And I will be starting yet another class in less than 2 weeks.
I believe in educating yourself before speaking on certain subject matters. I am not a fan of school as I have stated many times, but I am a nerd and a very excellent student. I will research. I do not fly by the seat of my pants and “hope” that the information I share in any forum sounds correct.
I lost people. Too many to detail. It hurt like hell and I had to step back and process the whole grief situation layer by layer. Because of my delayed response to grief, I had to put it all on the line to say I was not ok and work to get ok. Today, I am ok and still working to be better every day.
I met new people. Together we formed a wonder team and have embarked on a journey that will change a piece of corporate America forever. We are tackling issues of systemic racism, gender inequality, oppression and whatever else you can thing of and we are doing it together. In less than a year, we have traction, and we are motivated to be trailblazers & trendsetters!
I have a greater appreciate for the people I love. The relationships that I have deepened. The inability to hug or spend face to face time has made us closer and more keenly aware the of the little things.
There have been so many moments in these 368 days since lockdown bridging 2020-2021. My reflection is that I am just getting started on what I pray will be the best days yet. The foundation was laid while the world was still to get much accomplished in “behind the scenes” for the main events that will unfold in the months to come.
The wheels of the world are starting to turn again. Vaccinations are becoming available and slowly but surely, we will get to a place where businesses will open and thrive again, and people will congregate. The pandemic is not over yet. Caution still needs to be at the forefront. The question is, when we get back to business, are you ready?
One final thought. I literally was ready to leave town for my birthday last year when we got shut down. This year, I will be fully vaccinated but I have no plans to go anywhere. I may or may not blog next weekend as it will be my “birthday weekend”. I do want to encourage everyone to take some time to ENJOY your moments where you celebrate life and give yourselves permission to have FUN! The pandemic caused so many people to cancel their birthdays as if the gratitude of being alive was not important last year. Everyday is important!
Live Your Life!
Be Safe and ENJOY!
Until Next Time, I Love YOU!!!!
