Although this year has been incredibly trying, I believe that 2020 has provided me with a greater understanding of what is truly significant in life. Here are my 2020 reflections:

• Recognize that you only get one shot at life, so you better make sure that you spend your time doing what you love with the ones you love.
• Be a risk-taker – stop being afraid and constantly worrying about things that you have no control over.
• Appreciate giving a hug to a loved one whenever you want
• Be present – genuinely be in the moment versus planning for tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or several years down the road.
• Appreciate being in a room full of family and friends and listening to their laughter
• Be grateful – quit looking down the road.
• Extend forgiveness, particularly to those that you feel have hurt you deeply
• Be empathetic – you never know the path someone has had to walk.
• Serve others – help without judgement. Jesus Christ served many but particularly vulnerable individuals and those seen as outcasts by society. He did so with compassion, kindness, love, and without denigration. As a Christian, I would encourage our global community to reconnect to this aspect of service. I believe many Christians in 2020 have focused on “my rights” dialogue and actions, which have had horrendous heartbreaking consequences for so many
• Finally, recognize that tomorrow is not a given, so never put off connecting with family and friends, near and far.

The above list is not novel, but I have learned this year that in my pre-COVID life, I wasted valuable time and missed out on new growth experiences because I often had my eye on the wrong prize. I don’t know what 2021 has in store, but here is to a move toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling journey in years to come.

I wish all of you a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2021. Below is my favourite Irish blessing, which I extend to all of you:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face; 

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, 

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

P.S. In 2021, I look forward to grappling with:

• the concept of Observable Impact,
• assessment in a critical thinking classroom,
• problem-based learning, student engagement in a literacy classroom, and
• unpacking the text 180 Days by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher and of course, any other new aspects that I stumble upon into my learning journey.

Happy New Year Everyone!