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Welcome to July 2020

Welcome to July! The midway marker in the year. If this year was a year like any other, I would be commenting on traditional summer fun and relaxing past times. It would be a great time to reflect back on all that we have done so far, and to look forward at how to finish the year strong. Unfortunately this year is not like other years. The year 2020 is very different than its predecessor.
 
The year 2020 has brought lessons to everyone. I think the biggest lesson is to slow down and focus. The Covid-19 global pandemic and increased focus on social justice is calling all of us to look more closely at our day to day and how we as people interact in the day to day. We now have the saying “the new normal.” This year has been stressful because of so many things. Health, income, employment, family, friends, society, politics, and so many other reasons. 
 
As a result of all this everything happening in the world stuff, every person has had to change something. In the context of the present, it is okay to be wherever you are in the #Vision2020 year. Some of you may be moving along with your goals. Others are just trying to get through the day. Whatever and wherever you are, it is a big okay to be there. For those of you helping and supporting others on their #Vision2020 or in any other way, it is okay for them to be in the spot they are.
 
Sometimes we as workforce professionals and as people get so caught up in the day to day we forget to stop and smell the roses. We forget to live where we are in life. It is okay to be right where we are right now. If this means, the vision you started 2020 with is not the vision you have now, fine. Perfect. If the vision you had for 2020 has been altered. Maybe you have readjusted? It is just fine.
 
Like the majority of people, I cannot say what the rest of 2020 will bring. I can only say, that I expect to keep my mask on when in public, stay socially distant, and be conscious and aware of my behavior. I expect to be part of productive conversation and actions on social justice. I expect to look at myself each day and ask myself if I am living the life I want. Am I moving in the right direction? Am I helping to create a positive future for myself and others? I hope you choose the do the same.
 
~Karen Cirincione
Email: kcirincione@gmail.com        
Twitter: @kcirincione 

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