Every year is unique, but if there were ever a one-of-a-kind year, 2020 would win the prize hands down. I can’t think of a year I’ve been so eager to end and forget, and yet I’m sure I’ll never be able to put it out of my memory.
Now that 2020 is behind us, what do we do? It would be easy to obsess, get bitter about all the things we were required to do, become angry about the loss of being able to enjoy regular traditions, or even the loss of loved ones. It would be so easy to get stuck on all the negatives and become resentful.
It is definitely important to recognize and feel the sadness and loss. But let’s not get stuck. We can choose to look at the lessons 2020 had for us, all the things we learned along the way, the people and activities we came to value, and most of us, the resilience we developed and deepened as we contended with week after week of challenges.
At Care to Change, we’re declaring 2021 the year of moving forward. We see it as the year for getting unstuck. It’s time to dust ourselves off, set a personal course of action, and move forward confidently and boldly. Instead of concentrating on what we may have lost, it’s time to focus on what we rediscovered as the most important aspects of our lives: our family, our friends, our communities, and our faith.Over Christmas break I found myself intentionally saying I WILL focus on God’s promises for me. I WILL focus on my purpose. I WILL focus on my priorities and those things that bring life and renewal.
We are Care to Change team adopted a resolution early in 2020, and I encourage everyone to join us in reiterating that resolution for 2021. Together, we can all resolve to:
- remain a voice of peace, calm, and rationality at a time when fear and dread speak loudly.
- uphold our guiding principles so they sharpen our focus in the face of crisis and circumstances.
- be fully present for those we serve, whether in formal sessions or conversations.
- speak and act from love, faith, and compassion in every interaction with others.
- freely share our resources and supplies when others stumble into the mindset of scarcity.
- notice and celebrate the blessings God bestows upon us each and every day.
- support churches, businesses, schools, individuals, and families as they navigate the fear of the unknown and contend with the emotions accompanying these unsettling times.
- through our example, invite and motivate others to join us in service to others.
Our best wishes for a healthy, momentous, and happy New Year!
April Bordeau is the Executive Director and CEO of Care to Change. A licensed clinical social worker, she has focused on helping children and families overcome challenges in their lives for over 25 years.
