2020 Vision: How I'm Starting the New Decade GRATEFUL
Carrying forward the things that matter most
*This post was created just a few months before the pandemic of 2020, but my resolutions sure stand up to what we endured and what I came to value even more!
The new year is traditionally a time for setting intentions, resolving to make changes, and for creating a vision for the year ahead. On New Year’s Eve as my husband and I rang in 2020 with friends we’ve known for over 20 years, I was struck by the realization that it might not be so important to focus on what’s new, or what’s next, or what to change in the new year, but to focus instead on what we’ve built to last.
Knowing most neighbors walked to her house for the party, our hostess Theresa forbid the group from making any Irish exits (aka. sneaking out without a word) before the clock struck midnight. When the countdown came and the confetti flew, I saw Theresa’s smile beaming beneath her New Year’s crown. Moments later, as a couple of guests rushed to find a broom and dustpan for confetti cleanup, she quickly stopped them, “please don’t, I just want to enjoy the sparkle until January 2!” Theresa reminded us that her husband had suffered serious health scares twice at the holidays, which made each new year worthy of a hardy and extended celebration. Her attitude of gratitude got me thinking about all of the things worth celebrating and keeping in the new year and in the new decade ahead.
The decade now behind us was my favorite so far. Three kids in and out of high school, three in college and one out. For me, 2019 was wonderful, and it was awful. On the wonderful side, I began the year celebrating my 17th year in business working with women around the world. I started a PhD program and also got the opportunity to teach business students at the University of Colorado for the first time. Talk about learning new things! However, my team and I all decided to exit Global Girlfriend due to differences with the parent company I had chosen to merge with years before. This was incredibly painful for me, but also necessary to live the values I believe in - especially in valuing the work of women artisans around the world.
I also turned 50. Reflecting on that milestone, the last decade taught me:
Time flies
Work hard at something you believe in
Go places
Embrace change
Stay curious
Don’t forget to take care of your body
Share generously
I plan to carry these lessons with me and move into 2020 with gratitude striving to remember that:
Family & friends come first
There’s always more to learn
A life’s work takes a lifetime
Leaving Global Girlfriend was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. It felt like losing my identity and sense of purpose. But I’m still me, still here, still working as an advocate for women in the global economy. Doing something I’ve wanted to do since my late 20’s, which is pursuing my PhD, now at 50 and teaching aspiring business leaders at the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. So my life’s work is in the middle, just like I hope my life to be, and there’s a lot to be grateful for in this time of change.
Here’s to a very Happy New Year of making an impact and making time for the things that matter most!
First published on staceyedgar.com, January 2020.