Today marks the downhill slope of 2020, where we are less than 20 weeks away from 2021.  The challenges of 2020 just seem to continue . . . distance learning, limited social gatherings, named storms, masks and gloves, video meetings, dry cracked hands and no hugs.  I am missing hugs.  Not an inappropriate and awkward workplace side hug, but a genuine, caring and compassionate squeeze from someone who cares. 

One of my coping mechanisms through difficult times has always been reaching out to people who care. I recently had a phone conversation with my mentor, Mike Whitaker*. At the very beginning of the conversation, he asked me, “Are we going to talk about what happened in the past, or are we going to talk about what you are going to do next?”  It wasn’t the greeting I was expecting, but it immediately set me on a new course. 

After pondering Mike’s question, it occurred to me that with only 20 weeks left, perhaps it is time to reset and reframe the latter half of this year.  No more wallowing, no more self-pity, no more hopeless waiting. It is time to redirect. 

Things in my life and in my business have changed since that call. Reframing my actions in light of moving forward - instead of looking backward - has led to a multitude of ideas. This concept of forward motion has ignited a wellspring of creativity.  It has led me to reenergize my business, provide support to my community and unleash my passion to create. 

As I reframed this year, I recognized my passion for writing. Writing has always filled my soul.  In acknowledging this desire to meaningfully live out this year and redirect my energy, I decided to write a series of personal and professional life lessons. 

More than ever, this year we have learned that we are not in control. We don't own the weather and we cannot strongarm a global healthcare crisis.  Our attitudes and actions have collectively suffered because we feel we have lost control. My goal in writing these simple life lessons is to offer peace and hope.  I may not write about each lesson in the order below, but here is what you can expect for the remaining 20 weeks of this year:

1. Less is More
2. Be Kind
3. Believe in Miracles
4. Know Your Strengths
5. No Regrets
6. There are Angels Among Us
7. Do What You Love. Love What You Do.
8. Be Present
9. It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You
10. Write It Down
11. Live Your Bucket List
12. Be Resilient
13. Capitalize on Coaching Moments
14. Smile When You Are on the Phone
15. Appreciate Differences
16. Have Courage
17. Adapt
18. You Have 2 Ears and 1 Mouth - Use Accordingly
19. Be Grateful
20. Celebrate the Wins

You might notice that there are 20 lessons. It is no coincidence that we are 20 weeks away from the end of the year.  Even acknowledging all the difficulties in our world, after reframing, I feel reenergized about the coming weeks. I hope that you find peace and hope by reading the upcoming life lessons every week until we get to 2021. Consider them a weekly hug from someone who cares.

*Aside:  Everyone needs a Mike Whitaker in their life.  Mike is a mentor, entrepreneur, business coach and strategist. If you don’t have someone like Mike, find one.  If you can’t find one, call me and I will network you to one by emailing Leanne@SeeKingHR.com.