It’s almost over – this year that we didn’t ask for, we didn’t expect, and most of us didn’t know how to respond to. This year, some people very dear to me experienced unthinkable loss, and my heart is broken for them. If you’re reading this, you’re one of the lucky ones who survived. And for that, I’m grateful. I hope from the bottom of my heart that you not only survived but thrived during this crazy year, or that at least you can see your way forward.

We’ll see many stories this week about all that we lost this year – all the people, all the experiences, all the businesses.

I would not have chosen this. But since this is what we got, I invite you to join me in considering what we’ve gained this year. Here are a few lessons that I’m really grateful for, and that I intend to carry with me into 2021 and beyond.

Connections are everything. Connections with friends, family, and colleagues are, for me, the foundation of a happy, healthy, and productive life. I’m full of gratitude for the people who’ve been on this journey with me, the new connections I’ve made and the old friendships that have rekindled. If you’re reading this note, you are one of those people. And my greatest intention for 2021 is that we can continue to build on that relationship in a way that’s beneficial for all involved.

Say YES! Drink the good wine, take the trip, tell someone how much they mean to you. In case there was any doubt, this year taught us in stark clarity that things can change – or disappear – in a heartbeat. I intend to jump on opportunities when I get them – they might not come this way again.

Human creativity can – and will – save us. Unexpected people have created their way out of untold problems and dilemmas this year, helping family, strangers, and our world in ways no one could have imagined. Whether you spent this year figuring out how to save or build your business – or the world – or how to feed and educate your family, you have that in you, too. We are all much more heroic, resilient and creative than we realize. I intend to acknowledge and amplify this creativity every chance I get. And hopefully, contribute to it in my own way.

We have got to take care of the world around us. NOW. Our planet, our air, our water. The people that surround us, the businesses that support us, the institutions that keep us educated and healed, the governments we count on. We can’t take any of this for granted – this natural and built environment needs and deserves our love and effort. And I intend to use my resources in a way that nurtures, not destroys those things that I value.

And it should go without saying, but I intend to never take my good health for granted again.

If I can bring these lessons forward, 2020 will not have been a wasted year – it will have been a positive foundation for the decades to come. What about you? Please share what you’re bringing from 2020 into 2021 and beyond.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and prosperous year ahead.

Kim