As we wrap up 2020 many of us will gladly give this year the proverbial boot out the door and graciously stand ready to receive a new 2021 with outstretched arms. But I for one am reflecting on the year of perfect vision with eyes wide open and filled with new perspective and outlook.
Yes, this year has been challenging and brought forth obstacles we would rather have not encountered. But for me, it has taught me more about who I am and what exactly I am capable of. For you see, I always knew I was an overcomer, tenacious, strong, adaptable and a force to be reckoned with when I am passionate about something. But this pandemic provided me with time to tackle the tasks in my businesses that I did not have before. It allowed me an opportunity to reach out and in fact, launch another business that helps small businesses mark things off their to do list so they too can be more productive. It has stretched my creative limits and allowed me to increase my knowledge and expertise, among other things.
This year has truly opened my eyes and given me a new view. Not only on my life and my businesses, but on humanity. I have watched strangers come together to help others in need, essential personnel stretch beyond their limits and sacrifice more than they already risk their lives doing every day. I have witnessed introverts embracing video platforms and businesses helping other businesses stay afloat. I have provided resources that helped people who were suffering from depression and had all but given up on life, find new meaning and purpose and step away from the recliner and the television. Yes, in this crazy 2020 year I have seen again and again that there is still good in this world.
It is that message that led me to choose the image for this issue’s cover. Typically, our covers showcase only one woman and we share a short story about her. But since this issue seeps from the old 2020 into the new 2021 and spans through the months of December, January and February and this year has been filled with much insight, I felt it only appropriate to dedicate this cover to doing something different.
Focus on Fabulous magazine has always been about positive, encouraging content and delivering hope to a world otherwise bombarded with negativity and this issue is no different except that this cover shows and celebrates the power of unity, the strength in coming together. As clearly seen by the ladies on this cover, when we come together (as sisters, as businesswomen), for any purpose, cause, or intent we are stronger, more powerful, and more effective. When we set aside race, size, age, etc. and simply embrace each other’s gifts, strengths, and uniqueness, we are a force that cannot be broken and a light that shines bright.
And so, as we look back on the challenges that 2020 left with us, may we also embrace the new outlook it showed us and embrace the lessons it taught us. May we be reminded that each one of us has value, purpose, and something to offer unlike anyone else. And may we remember as my favorite poem Desiderata by Max Ehrmann states “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” I am looking forward to what lies ahead in the upcoming year but do not want to lose sight of the lessons taught in 2020 so I pledge every day in 2021 and beyond, to not forget that fact and to share with the world through my voice, my business and this publication that together, my sisters and I…we are strong, we are beautiful, we are fierce, we ARE “united.”
Stay fabulous, stay you, “mi”