Page 8 - January 2021 Voices

COVER STORY

of Redemption.” At least, this last one is my hope. outside in what feels like this never-ending storm
Ringing in 2021 felt. . .odd, for lack of and attempt to thrive?
a better phrase. Leading up to that night. I Right about here is where the writer’s block

remember having many conversations with really kicked in—because, if I’m being completely
friends that went not surprisingly—though still honest, I have absolutely no idea.
disappointingly—similar: Time to pop open that umbrella. After a quick
“Any fun plans for New Years?” I would ask Google search, I found that the vast majority of

unenthusiastically. I received a dozen different umbrellas are made with an 8-pronged sectional
and creative ways of saying “No.” Each preceded design for optimum rain repellation. It seemed
by, or followed with, a heavy sigh. fitting, then, to come up with 8 strategies to try
Any other year on New Years Eve I would have and start this New Year off right (or, right-er,

plans. I’m talking dressed up, hair done, heels on, whatever that means). Then I realized that 8 is a
lipstick-wearing plans. I’d be getting ready with LOT, so I settled on 4. Look, the storm is heavy
friends at the house around 9, throwing back a for us all, but my hope is that we can all hang
few homemade cocktails before 10, standing in onto our umbrellas and ride it out. Together.

the frigid cold to get into a swanky party by 11, So here are 4 things that are helping me enter
and hoping to have that lipstick smeared by a this new year with a little less stress. They’re not
cute stranger at midnight. This year? I worked the end-all-be-all, they may not rouse you to
the “dinner rush” as those of us in delivery food achieve enlightenment, but they’re a start. They

call the hours of 4-8:30pm and was asleep by work for me, and I hope they connect with you,
11:15. No dress, hair, heels, makeup, party, and too.
certainly no kiss. Just me, my dog, and a hope to
wake up the next day feeling. . .different. Permission to Feel

But I didn’t. If I’ve learned anything weathering serious
And I doubt most of you did, either. storms in my life, mainly through athletics, it’s
That’s likely because all of those facts listed this—there’s no shame in crying when you’re
above from the dumpster fire that was 2020 still upset about something, but being upset about

existed on New Year’s Day—and a few of them something still doesn’t change it’s outcome.
got even worse in the week to follow! It feels as Read that again. I’ve had countless sport-related
if 2021 so far has said “challenge accepted” to injuries, and I’ve cried about every single one
2020 being the literal WORST.YEAR.EVER. of them. Two days ago I found out I’m going to

So, what now my fellow Toastmasters? How do need another surgery on my shoulder—my 3rd
we even begin to get inspired and excited about in 18 months. Devastated doesn’t even put it into
a new year when there is so much unrest and words. I cried. A lot. When there were no tears
uncertainty in all of our lives? How do we walk left (though rest assured they will come back at

8 ONE COMMUNITY