Goodbye Old Year 2020

Dear Working Mom,

Everyone jokes that they couldn’t wait to get rid of 2020, and I agree.

At the same time, I can’t deny that many of 2020’s lessons were important. 2020 isn’t something to toss into the garbage. It was painful but honest, and I’m carrying its lessons with me into 2021:

• I acknowledge there are systemic problems in our beautiful country with race and equality, as well as gender and equality, and nationality and equality. I accept that each and every one of us has a sacred personal role in healing these inequities. This is a job for me, and this is a job for my growing son. Love and advocacy for others is one of the most important things I can teach him.
• I acknowledge that our infrastructure for public health has room for improvement, and our health and livelihoods demand us to make those improvements.
• I swear to always do my part by following recommendations from scientists and health officials.
• I will not let divisive words come between me and my neighbors. I promise to listen to my neighbors and respect them, even if I disagree with them. I promise to protect their lawn signs from vandalism, even if I disagree with those lawn signs.
• We are stronger together. Differences of opinion cannot divide us, but hate and refusal to listen can. I will do my part to help us stand united, even as we disagree.
• I am more flexible than I knew, and I can do my job effectively in dramatically different circumstances. I depend upon my employer and teammates to trust me in these new circumstances. Their trust is a blessing I don’t take for granted.
• I value my home as it is. It is a shelter and a haven, even when it is overrun with a mess and my family appears to be in every room at the same time while I was hoping to work. You know what I mean.
• My social pace is dramatically slower and quieter than I had realized before. After 2020 gave me even more space than I thought I needed, I could see this for the first time in my life. I promise to honor my slower pace with fewer social obligations and no guilt in 2021. In time, my friends and family will understand and adjust. It will be okay. And I will be less stressed and more loving for it.
• My family is the gift of all gifts, and the most precious trust I will ever hold.

Although I wouldn’t want to rewind and play it again, I can’t deny that it was an important year.

And brighter days are ahead. May the painful parts of 2020 be healed, and the important truths that 2020 so bluntly showed us so starkly live on, albeit in a gentler and more hopeful way.

Wishing you healing and growth from 2020, Dear Working Mom.

All my best,

Wendy