Happy New Year, 2022!
It has been almost one year since my last blog writing (and I’ll get back to that topic soon). Not long after that post, the year took some big twists and turns. There was incredible work that we did in the Leadership Institute. I co-managed a large grant. I got involved in a new research project. I took on some new coaching clients and organizational clients. I learned to paint like Bob Ross. They don’t look at all like Bob Ross, but it sure makes me laugh and taps into a creative part of my brain I don’t use often. There were also a lot of road bumps. Some of them were pretty big and rough. As you might understand, there were a lot of road bumps for a lot of people. 2021 turned out to be a unique year. I know, they all are, but I think we can agree that 2021 sure had some moments.
I talked a lot last year (and in 2020 when the pandemic started) about how the pandemic has exposed the cracks in everything: businesses, supply chains, educational systems, governments, health care systems, and most definitely our personal lives. The last two years have shaken our worlds, created uncertainty, that led to fear, and most definitely to chaos. Having a mirror held up to our faces showing us where things aren’t working or just flat-out suck is not easy for anyone to take, personally or professionally. BUT, in this exposure of what hasn’t been working…this is where we find the opportunities.
Since late December, I have been doing some deep reflection and introspection of what happened in 2021 (and even before). What are my cracks? Are they necessarily bad cracks (not all cracks are, they let in some of the best light and let us shine our best light)? Am I living my values? Am I doing my best? Am I doing the things that will make my goals a reality? Are the kids alright? According to The Who, they are. 😉
I was speaking with a student recently about the course he’s taking and the expectations of the course project. It is always such a joy to speak with my students because the life experiences they bring to their work are incredible. We talked about our world travels, work mistakes (we’ve both made some doozy’s, ha), how the pandemic is affecting everyone. It was truly a fun, but mostly, insightful conversation. He talked about how when he was in his late 20s, he did a “reset.” He told me, “I think everyone should get to do a reset in their 20s.” We laughed, and I said, “Oh, I’m doing a reset now.” I didn’t even think about those words until they came out. That is what this reflection period has been for me. A chance for me to take a look at my cracks, reflect, recalibrate, refresh…reset. I was very grateful that call lasted longer than the 15 minutes it was intended.
So today, I say happy new year to you because today, my 2022 starts. I have so much in store for this year. New research, new ideas, new habits, new paintings to be made, but most of all, a new kindness and compassion for myself and everyone around me. I’m not saying this year won’t be without road bumps or won’t take a turn in a way I would have never seen coming. I am, however, resetting. My exposed cracks were brutal to see and feel. Some will take a long time to heal. Some don’t need to be healed. Some need to be repaired a little differently The exposure, though, was also the best thing that could have happened to me. I can’t wait to share with you all that I have in store for 2022. I hope you’ll join me on the journey.
What can I do to help you with your refresh or reset? Please share!
Happy Chinese New Year to all who celebrate. I wish you joy, prosperity, and good health in the Year of the Tiger.
To those who are hurting and not quite ready to refresh or reset, please know I see you and hear you. If I can help you in any way, I am only a few taps on the phone or keypad away.