As an educator, I spent a good deal of time helping students coach themselves to trust themselves and do what was best for their lives in the present and future. I use that same self-coaching with my own life as I navigate many decisions and priorities. Life offers all of us many, many decisions, and when we use good process and make those decisions thoughtfully, we have to trust ourselves.
During the pandemic year, many have been faced with new decisions--situations they didn't expect, and situations that required a good deal of thought, research, evaluation, and analysis. We've had to think hard about our priorities, and for some of us, we've had to let go of past choices and embrace new lifestyles and lifepaths. No matter how good our choices have been, change is not always easy. Change also requires dedicated effort in order to be successful.
All around me, people's lives have changed dramatically in the past year. Jobs have changed for everyone. Even those who stayed in same jobs, have faced new conditions on how they do their work, and those who have changed jobs have had to invest significant time and effort to jump start their new work and success. Students lives have changed dramatically too. In a matter of weeks, they had to embrace a hefty menu of online learning and study. It has been amazing to see how well so many students and their families have adapted to this situation which is not ideal. And, those used to regular social gatherings and support have had to get used to a socially-limited schedule and supports.
None of this is easy, but we have to trust the decisions we make, and invest in those decisions with good time and effort. The more we can do now during the pandemic days, the better we'll be able to enjoy the post-pandemic days, days when we can connect with one another again. Do the dull, laborious work now so when the cold winter days and harsh pandemic limitations pass, you'll have a chance to do something special for yourself and those you love. Onward.