Season’s Greetings!

For a lot of people, this has been a terrible year in many ways. Thankfully, this extraordinary year is coming to an end and things are looking up. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, even the days will now get longer and brighter. I believe business will pick up across the board, vaccinations will put this pandemic behind us, some semblance of normalcy will return, and, with it, new opportunity. We will heal. Mentally, physically, financially, and spiritually.

These past 10 months of pandemic have taught an abundance of lessons. I hope we all learn from these lessons and make some permanent changes.

• We have learned about love and loss and how to be more intentional to maintain relationships, how to reach out, and how to listen with greater sensitivity.
• We have experienced the value of slowing down and taking time to sleep, get outside, exercise, cook, and relax.
• We have seen that business doesn’t end when we work remotely and that not only can the time and money spent commuting and criss-crossing the country on planes be put to better use, but we are happier without the constant stress and our air is cleaner.
• We have learned how to work from home and seen productivity actually rise in many cases.
• We have learned greater compassion for neighbors and co-workers not as lucky as ourselves.
• We have a new appreciation for first responders, health care workers, teachers, grocery workers, delivery drivers, and all the other people who keep us healthy, warm, and fed. And we are more aware that their pay does not reflect the extent to which we rely on them.
• We understand more clearly the incredible fragility of our local small businesses and the importance of shopping and eating locally.
• We know better the importance of cash reserves, contingency planning, and how to manage risk.
• We have seen that there is always opportunity. If we are alert to the needs of others and our customers, there are always new ways to provide value.
• We have learned that despite the power of hard work and ambition, luck still plays a strong role and we need to keep that in mind when dealing with others.

What lessons have you learned? And what lessons will you take to heart and ensure they change your future?

It’s a perfect time to reflect and learn. It is also a time to celebrate and be grateful for what you have, what you’ve accomplished, and what others have contributed to your success and well-being. It’s a time to be joyful and grateful.

Happy Holidays to you and your family! Enjoy the season to the fullest! Celebrate, rest, and reflect to ready yourself for a great new year!

All the best,

Ann