Revisiting a Year Like No Other: Life and Love in a Pandemic
Today many of us celebrate a rather inauspicious anniversary. The word “celebrate” isn’t exactly right though; the past year hasn’t offered up much in the way of reason to celebrate. But, it does warrant attention and, for me at least, inspires more than a little self-reflection.
One year ago today, we sent everybody home.
When I think back, I’m struck by how much we didn’t know. Initially, we thought things — business, school, life — would be “back to normal” in a matter of weeks. Weeks turned into months, and even now, despite multiple vaccines slowly being rolled out, there’s no definitive end in sight.
The “new normal” has become … just normal.
When the first “stay at home” advisories were issued, some remarkably motivated people saw it as a chance to make midyear resolutions, to devote themselves to learning new skills, or to recommit to an interest or talent they had once pursued — painting, unfinished novels, sourdough bread. Social media pundits were quick to point out that when London theatres were shuttered during the plague outbreak of 1606, Shakespeare wrote King Lear, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra.
For myself, I was busy helping Skillsoft’s global marketing team transition to remote work, and supporting my two teenage daughters as they transitioned to remote schooling. And perhaps taking a Peloton ride or three.
But, I did find time to write and to publish, addressing topics that ranged from adjusting to unusual working conditions; to advancing meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion; to meditating on how disruptive times force us to focus on what — and who — matters most.
Here are several of my most favorite pieces.
Rules of Engagement: Coworking with the Family
How do you keep your cool and cope when your favorite people in the world suddenly become your co-workers? I share my tried-and-true (or is that “trial and error?”) tips on peacefully balancing coworking and cohabitating.
Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times
Whether coming up with new rules for the everyday or completely reimagining the year’s biggest customer event, my team took business continuity to heart. I learned early on just how important it was that we were all in this together.
Will We Emerge as Better People? My Friends and I Hope So.
A couple of months into the pandemic, I conducted an informal survey among family, friends and colleagues. I asked, “What worries you most as we emerge from quarantine?” and “What are you most looking forward to?”
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: A Journey We Must Take
After the murder of George Floyd, people around the world came together to call for justice. At Skillsoft, we created an intensive DEI series for our customers and ourselves. Here’s what we heard from thousands of participants — and what we’re committed to doing.
My Daughter has a Fever and I’ve Never Been So Scared
Last summer, this particular “Dr. Mom” had a close call with the grim realities of COVID-19 when — despite masking and social distancing — my daughter’s temperature inexplicably rose. I chronicled and shared our three anxious days of waiting for test results.
Traveling Beyond Our Comfort Zones
Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” As the frequentest of flyers (until 2020), I wholeheartedly agree. Grounded for the past year, we found new ways to push — and break down — barriers.
Love is Never the Wrong Decision
I decided early on to include stories about my family in my writing, and my family most definitely includes two beautiful Akitas. When Kashi faced a dire diagnosis, we made a difficult decision for the very best of reasons … love.
Charles Dickens started one of his most masterful novels with the words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …” He was writing about the French Revolution that took place some 250 years before COVID-19. But, I think — on some level at least — we can relate.
COVID is a once-in-a-century, worldwide health crisis that has meant loss and grief to countless millions of people. But, there have been sources of light in all the darkness. Selfless frontline workers; dedicated teachers and caregivers; and scientists who worked tirelessly to develop treatments and vaccines, surpassing previous records in terms of speed and volume.
Then, there are the everyday heroes who faced new challenges with good humor, resilience, and compassion. I salute every parent, every overworked delivery person, every manager trying to motivate via videoconference. I salute every person who has managed to stay hopeful and kind during these challenging days (turned into weeks and months).
I look forward to being with everyone I care about in-person once again.
Until then, I invite you to read more of my stories here.
