I am especially excited about this issue because not only is it our 21st issue, and begins our fifth year of beautifully packaging positive, encouraging, relatable content with stunning photography and amazing stories of extraordinary women, this particular issue is also filled with solutions.
I didn’t want to call this the COVID issue but as the world around us is changing and our lives are daily being challenged in numerous ways and people are struggling with various dilemmas, I must admit the current status quo adjustments have prompted me to put on my “problem solving hat.” It is because of talking with others that I have dedicated this issue to offering some solutions in areas that seem to be a source of struggle for many.
This issue is filled with solutions like making healthy lunches for children as they transition back to school after what may have seemed like a forever summer, solutions to maintaining a healthy immune system, solutions for celebrating virtually and my favorite is the double page list of creative and personal things we can do that don’t require wearing a mask.
You see, many I have spoken with are unemployed, struggling to keep businesses afloat. Some need a reprieve from the grueling demands of transitioning between teacher, parent, and self. Many are depressed and feel alone. Others seek the identity that has faded with the tide through the past few months, searching for a reason and purpose to get out of bed, to exist.
It appears that countless individuals battle not only with these personal and emotional struggles but with physical limitations or disabilities that only weigh heavier on their mental mindset and overall attitude.
The truth of the matter is, we are all going through the same things… but in different ways. We are all in this together and yet we feel isolated. We are empathic and yet also perplexed and exhausted. The paradox of what 2020 has brought has made us confused and cautious yet also aware and attentive. We crave human connection and yet abide to social distancing; we desire to give back and lead a life of purpose but hold tight to what is near and dear to us. We attempt to help and support others but seek various ways to do so despite our limitations.
Looking back we can see that for may of us, we have used 2020 as a scapegoat of excuses and yet also as a means to learn new ways of doing things, of rediscovering ourselves. We have planted seeds; made connections in ways we have never done previously. We reached out to more people in different, and creative ways, learned new skills, programs, languages, and instruction. We nourished relationships and appreciated the distance in ways we once took for granted.
And as the holiday season approaches it is time to look at each day as a new day and find a reason to change out of our pajamas, put on a bra and for God’s sake do something productive with “that hair.” We need to be filled with gratitude, love, determination, and purpose, to embrace our outings, families, and friends often, take time to remain considerate, responsible, and safe, to spread kindness and remember to pick up the phone and call rather than hold a grudge.
Yes, this year has been one of challenges and obstacles. But we want to finish it with connections, community, kindness and opportunities, to solve problems, and seek solutions so that even if the world around us is changing and our lives are challenged, we know that we are powerfully equipped to step forth into the greatness that is within each of us.
Stay fabulous, stay you, “mi”