As the sun grows stronger, the birds louder and the vaccination numbers larger by the day - I find myself gingerly picking up my gaze to the future. After months of not being able to make any plans - the fog seems to be lifting and we are finally starting to see a way forward.
Still, though, my mind wanders to those unmasked moments one year ago before everything changed. I remember a week that started with carefree subway rides, shared meals with friends and in-person workshops. By the end of the week, everything was different.
Just like that, our vision for the year and well thought-out plans were wiped away like a freshly built sandcastle being demolished by a wave. Just like that, we were physically separated while the structures we took for granted began to show their cracks.
The pandemic has waged a war that has gone on for far longer then any of us imagined. Many of us have simply been in survival mode, aiming to get through another day. But when this storm is over how are we going to rebuild? What kind of world do we want after living and learning so much this year? And how do we make a plan when the future still feels so fragile?
Like life, a good meal requires a fine mix of planning and spontaneity. And depending on the vision, it can be a quick dish made out of leftovers or one that requires some serious research, practice and prep. But sometimes the specific ingredients that we think we need are simply not available. The mushrooms may not look good so we pick up asparagus instead. Life requires us to make a plan and to be nimble in pivoting when certain ingredients are not at the store.
Perhaps with this in mind we can more freely begin to look toward the future - knowing that we are far more resilient and adaptable than we were when we started this thing a year ago.
So what is your vision for the future? How are you starting to make plans with so much still uncertain? And how do we incorporate the lessons we have learned this year to rebuild a stronger foundation and society moving forward?
Our next Virtual Gathering’s Theme is: Vision
When: Thursday, March 25th, 8:00PM ET / 5:00PM PT
How: Sign up here
What: Please join our call with a favorite food or beverage that connects to the theme (and if you don't have time to cook just come with a story!)
Cost: $15 to secure your spot (Venmo @Ellen-Cosgrove)
Zoom details will be sent on day of the event to those who are signed up