When most years end, it becomes de rigueur to look back on the last 12 months.
-Where’d you start?
-Where’d you want to wind up?
-Did you get there?
With 2020 lurching it’s way into the record books as the worst. year. ever., I think most of us have trended our expectations down. Maybe you abandoned them all together?
No one would’ve blamed you for erasing everything off your list except “stay safe.” Everything slowed down.
But as life marched on (as it invariably always does), some things accelerated. Entire industries saw their 5 yr. plans condensed into 5 months. People chased dreams and/or returned to school. Side Hustles are having a heyday.
My point? If we learned anything this year, it’s that life is short. If you knew how many days you had left, would it change how you spent your days? Who you spent them with?
My guess is yes.
Just reading the chart rearranged my mind. Take a look, calculate your estimated time left on this rock, and let me know how it made you feel.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel now, and no, it’s not a train. We have a ways to go yet, but blue sky is in sight. As we emerge from these “unprecedented times” (sorry!), what will you take away from it?
For me, part of that meant a return to music. And by that I mean actively listening. Anymore, music is just something happening in the background while you do something else. I realized I missed the days of making mix tapes; either for my friends to share things I found novel, or as a way of telling someone how I felt when words failed.
But mostly I missed the shared experience of giving & receiving new songs. A friend of mine and a couple of buddies have started making regular mix tapes. Okay, they’re online and called playlists, but that means they’re accessible to everyone. They’re excellent. Give ‘em a listen.
I work for an airline. Last month, I somehow managed to mark 23 years at my job. I say that not to brag, but to point out that even in the midst of a global pandemic, I managed to hold on to the job I love. I’m mindful of how fortunate that makes me, and hope that I am able to ride this through to the other side.
The industry has completely transformed since I joined it, with many former giants like Pan Am relegated to history books. Their legacy lives on through those who helped build them. This is a beautifully written, bittersweet account of the last flight of the once mighty Clipper.
Like the titans of aviation, it was easy to assume they’d always be too big to fail. Until now, you could say the same about Facebook. But yesterday marked the first time a question mark might be added to that statement.Attorney Generals in 48 states and the FTC sued the social media juggernaut, accusing it unfair practices.
Will it mean the end of your high school friend’s nonstop posting of crude memes? Probably not, but there’s hope.
In the meantime, logoff, and reconnect with those in your life that matter. Call, text, meet up in whatever manner you feel is safe. It will do you a world of good. Trust me on this one.
As we round third, do yourself a favor; commit to being uncomfortable once in a while. Aim high. Swing for the fences. it’s all there for us if we want it.
It’s easy to get stuck in everything we lost this year (and it’s a big list), but it’s equally important to give some thought to what you have gained.
For me, it’s a rekindled love of music, and writing habit, and gratitude for work that I enjoy.
What made your list?
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
Kevin Sent 