By Melissa Davies
We made it to December! Soon we can flip the calendar on 2020 and hope for a brighter, healthier, safer, and more secure 2021.
I’d like to say all our problems end when we flip the calendar, but sadly no, they won’t. In this final month of what feels like the longest year, there is still work to be done.
In working with my clients (remotely) and visiting with my family and friends (remotely) I have seen how many of us have pulled into our shells and closed the door to the outside world. With our days shorter, darker, and cooler, we’ve added a blanket and pulled it over our heads.
It’s easy to feel safer when you’re in your shell. Yet the community is still outside our doors and needs us more than ever.
A recent news report from the Prince William Times reports the rise in COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization. Northern Virginia isn’t immune to the spread of the virus.
We can set a positive example for our children and those we interact with in the community. Leadership begins at home.
- Wear a mask when out in public.
- Be mindful of others when you do have to go out and stay socially distant
- Check on your elderly neighbors and relatives
- Shop locally this holiday season and support our community
Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday, a day devoted to supporting charities. There are thousands of worthy causes. If you have the financial resources, consider donating close to home, here in Prince William. The Streetlight Community Outreach Ministry is a non-profit organization providing services to the chronically homeless and medically fragile, those often most in need in our community.
When we take personal responsibility for ourselves, our family, and our place in the community we improve everyone’s lives.
If we truly want to make 2021 a happy new year, we have to move beyond our personal states of crisis and panic. Put on your mask, pull the blanket off your head, and find a way to reconnect to the community. It may only start with an online donation but you’ll feel better for it. And we all want to feel better in 2021.
Melissa Davies is an executive leadership coach and facilitator as well as the author of How Not to Act Like a BLEEP at Work. She resides in Prince William County and runs Wise Ways Consulting, which specializes in leadership, management and team development, executive coaching, group facilitation and high-engagement training. She can be reached at info@wisewaysconsulting.com or through wisewaysconsulting.com.
