This has been a year of change and challenges. Viewed largely as a time when the unexpected became the norm, the first year of the new decade was veiled by loss and uncertainty, mauled by division and civil unrest, and shadowed by a global pandemic that has stolen far too many lives while threatening even more. So while fighting through a tentative era of personal, professional, social, academic, and economic evolution, is this a time when we should be giving thanks? Absolutely.
The holidays are a time to celebrate all that we are—and all that we have. It’s a time to recognize what we’ve accomplished and all that we’ve overcome. We face our shortcomings and vow to get better. We remember those we love, accept those we should, honor those we’ve lost, and forgive those we can. We allow others to share with the same courtesy and respect. We remind ourselves that we should be doing all these things throughout the year, even when we don’t. There were difficulties, but there were also positives along the way that all of us can find if we’re willing to look. We praise everything we’re grateful for and try to minimize those things that might stand in the way.
We’re Grateful for the Fighters
In any given year, every one of us have faced hardships, heartbreaks, and regrets. For many, this year may have been particularly difficult.
Many have taken ill, falling victim, but are fighting back to overcome to the virus. We’re grateful for your determination and resilience. We’re grateful for the brave men and women that risk their health and safety for the greater good.
Many of us have lost friends and family. Others have lost those closest to them and have the fortitude to honor and respect those they’ve lost, take their next breath, and continue moving forward. For those we’ve lost, we’re grateful for your memory. For those still with us, we’re grateful for your example.
Many have faced forced business closures, been furloughed, or lost their jobs. We’re grateful for your courage and fighting spirit. We believe in you and know you’ll land on your feet.
Some feel inconvenienced by social distancing and the need to wear a mask. They resist the disruption and ignore the potential consequences. We appreciate the sense of conviction, but we’ll be grateful when they stop being so selfish, start thinking more about others, and decide to do the right thing.
We’re Grateful for the Innovators
No one wants or likes our current circumstances, but while certain challenges remain, necessity is the mother of invention. Through the landslide of change we’ve faced over the past year has come new and innovative approaches to the way we go about our lives and our businesses.
Many employees have learned to be effective and productive while working from home. In some ways, technology has helped us take an important step forward. In many ways, through online meetings and other virtual events, we’ve even had the opportunity to become closer to coworkers by being offered a glimpse into their lives and their homes.
Brick-and-mortar locations have adapted to customer needs by enhancing safety and sanitization, using curbside services, boosting interactive services and technology, and improving customer efficiencies. Online business and business services have grown in size and importance during this time.
With technology increasing efficiencies, shrinking the distance between professionals, some business functions and strategic partnerships have benefitted as well. With all these innovations, some may diminish in importance while others will be with us to stay. We’re grateful for the ideas and the effort.
We’re Grateful for You
This year will be one that most of us won’t soon forget, although there may be certain aspects that we may wish we could. But through it all, we are both proud and grateful for each of you. We’re grateful for the leaders and field generals that give their all to keep our customers, employees, and businesses safe and protected. We’re grateful for the board members, sponsors, and solution providers that make the magazine possible. We’re grateful for our magazine team for bringing it all together. We’re most grateful for our readers for the privilege of providing you with a voice.
And we’re grateful that 2021 is knocking on the door—bring it on!