Au revoir 2020!

As we kick 2020 to the curb and all look forward to 2021, I think it is important to reflect on all sides of this pandemic situation. There are many people who still dwell on the negatives, but I see a great many positives in this situation as well. Before all you villagers reach for your pitchforks, hear me out.

First to the Covid-19 virus itself. Much to the chagrin of the naysayers, this thing is very real and I am personally aware of several people in my circle who have contracted it and have ether passed or are now living with the long-term side effects. Please do not let your guard down – this thing is very real. However, based on the data from 1point3acres, things are getting better. Their reporting shows a decrease in fatalities and an increase in recoveries. We are figuring out how to fight the virus and mitigate the damage. The future is promising.

But this year was not all about a virus that has made this day more reference-able as March 293rd. If you cock your head to the side and squint a little, you can see some really awesome side benefits that have not been spoken of loudly enough in my opinion. Although there have been a large number of sad events like the closing of local businesses and much tightening of belts, there have been some really great outcomes to name as well.

We came together as a community on so many levels. At least in my small view of the world, I saw so many people helping others who would normally not even be connected. There were awesome stories of overwhelming community support in and the explosion of on-line concerts, church services, and other group events that once were exclusive to in-person arena or theater venues.

We quickly re-tooled our factories to produce needed equipment virtually overnight, proving the amazing creativity of our entrepreneurs. There was a massive shift to on-line learning, meetings, services, therapy, and entertainment. And there was a global resurgence of corporate social responsibility and awareness.

As some of our tech leaders have recently commented, this is the technology future many of us have looked forward to, but no one expected to happen so quickly. It’s amazing what we can accomplish together when we are forced into action.

So au revoir 2020. Addio, tchau, adiós, auf wiedersehen, la revedere, sayonara, bye! It’s been a slice – don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

To all my friends, colleagues, customers, and family world wide. Cheers to 2021.