We’re Still Standing -Happy New Year’s!

2020 will go down as the year that changed everything we knew.

Our everyday routines were affected worldwide. Students learned online. Teachers and Professors reformatted their classes, and businesses held meetings at home -in jeans. Medical staff and First Responders took extreme safety measures. Restaurants and stores changed their delivery to curbside. Parents of school-age kids got their Masters in Parenting in just 9 months! The most excruciating part was the pandemic's toll on human lives—also, the devastating financial loss and the traumatic isolation for such a long stretch.

Maybe the positive side was the post-traumatic growth and the lessons learned.

As the world stood still in 2020, so did we. Hopefully, we became more aware of ourselves and others. Ideally, we redefined our priorities. Surely, we felt more grateful for the simple things we used to give for granted. Undoubtedly, our relationships were tested; the ones we kept became even brighter. Fortunately, we slowed down and were more patient with each other because we were all in this together.

Most importantly, we were reminded of what a gift life is and how fragile it can be. In honor of the ones we've lost, our thoughts and prayers are with their families this Holiday Season. I am also reminded of these words, "Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

So here we are today, still standing -but better and improved.

On the brink of a New Year that's full of hope, resiliency, and possibilities. I'm so hopeful for 2021. Because I'm never short of amazed at the strength of the human spirit. The endurance we gain every time we face adversity. The new skills we develop every chance our limitations are hijacked. The opportunities to adapt, learn, and improve because of our challenges enable us to live better, healthier, and smarter.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year!

All my best,

Maria A. Mansfield, PRS

Author: ”Life is Worth Getting Better” “Honoring Your Recovery“ and

“Tu vida merece que te mejores”