What will you remember about the year 2020? “Unexpected” has been a keyword for me, both literally and figuratively. I was supposed to be in Bali in August of this year for a Women of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) Global Summit. It would have been my fourth Summit (out of five). I, like so many others, chose not to embark on an international journey in the midst of a global pandemic. But I often wonder how my life would have been impacted by this trip. Recalling the movie Eat, Pray Love and the profound personal transformation that Julia Roberts’ character experienced, especially in Indonesia, leaves me a little melancholy on missing out.
I’m an explorer and adventurer, deriving high inspiration and pleasure from travel and new experiences. Unexpected places and spaces usually elevate my senses, cause me to slow down and to immerse myself in the surroundings. Many times this year I’ve reflected back upon my time in Hawaii immediately preceding the pandemic – sleeping with doors open to the ocean, waves crashing in all day and all night. An unexpected gift of God’s natural beauty and creation. A meandering resort with beautiful beaches, pools, golf course, restaurants, shops, trails, and more. Unexpected spaces containing profound beauty and comradery.
For many of us this year, our home has become an unexpected space of work, life, and school all mixed into one. I couldn’t have imagined the unexpected blessing of my daughter coming home from college to finish her Junior year, and the pure joy I derived from having her work with me at our dining table for several weeks. We had a little competition going to see who could get up the earliest to get our workout in. Or the simple routine of my son – a Senior in high school – descending the stairs a few hours after my daughter and I had been hard at work, and being able to make him breakfast each day. Those several months of “family time” will forever be imprinted on my heart as an unexpected, and treasured, time and space in my life.
As we move into this holy time of year, I wish you and yours an unexpectedly joyous Christmas and New Year, (and recent Hanukkah). Let us be thankful and grateful for the simple and best things in life. Many blessings to you!