By Lisa Miller
By reflecting on the past, we can feel hopeful about the future, which means it’s time to reflect on the good that has come from possibly the craziest year we have ever lived! We’ve made it through homeschooling, modified sports schedules, quarantines and working from home.
I’ve learned amazing things about myself, my family and my friends in 2020. Typically, I’ve been so busy that I’ve not always listened as intently to loved ones as I should. However, this year I’ve been able to spend more quality time with my family and friends. I’ll remember and seek to repeat this gift as we venture into 2021.
This upcoming year we look forward to a new Covid-19 vaccine, kids heading back to school, more businesses returning to an in-office environment and being able to travel again. We’ll begin a new “normal.” We may never get back to life exactly as it was “pre-Covid,” but that’s OK. We’ve realized how resilient we are as women, mothers and leaders. We’ve learned how to dig deep, be creative and turn homes into classrooms and full-time offices. We’ve found a way to balance it all, some days better than others, but we’ve made it!
What I’m most looking forward to in 2021 is gaining back a sense of community. We need social interaction. We need to be able to connect with extended family. We need the joy of events and celebrations with lots of people. We need to be able to give hugs and high-fives whenever we want to. We need to laugh with others.
I want to do all these things in 2021, once it’s safe to do so, with new gratitude and appreciation. I want to remember the value of people and what not being with them has meant.
Remember, our work is what we do, not who we are — our faith, family and friends are where we find our joy and purpose. This next year I want to give more, help more, listen more and care more about others.
I wish you all a very Happy New Year!
About the Author
Lisa Miller is Mentoring Committee Chair at Alliance of Channel Women and has been an ACW Board Member for the past two years. Miller is also President and COO of Spearhead Advisors, a leading IT and telecommunications solutions provider. She has held a variety of senior leadership roles across the enterprise and alternate sales channels. Miller is an advocate and leader for women in STEM and serves as a mentor, working to develop rising talent.
