Normally at this time of year, I am gearing up for the holidays and reflecting on this past year in order to make a pathway for the next. However, given this year was seriously derailed by an unprecedented number of factors, I’ve had to really collect myself.

My writing here has been sparse as I considered the multitude of what has happened and what that will mean for me going forward. I’m still working on it, but I’ve managed to crystalize a few ideas.

First, the most important thing is to count my blessings. My wife and I are still working, our family is safe and we have absolutely everything we need… and a whole lot more. It became too easy to continuously think about what we’re lacking, especially as areas went into lockdown (and are still going into lockdown), instead of recognizing the amount of excess in our lives.

Second is to never take anything for granted. Even the occasional frequent Ikea breakfast runs my family took on the weekends are being missed.

Third is to avoid the noise. My intake of social media and news hit its apex during the summer when I recognized only a few minutes a day on each platform would provide more than enough information to catch me up on the days proceedings. Anything more was just a waste of time.

Fourth is to be thankful for the many technological advancements. Being able to video chat with my family and friends, have supplies delivered to my door at the push of a button and working remotely from home went beyond mere conveniences. It signified a complete shift in culture—one that happened in a mere twenty years.

Finally, my friend Andrew advocates for a keyword each new year; a mantra to focus on in all that you do. This year has pointed me to the one I will be using for 2021: Simplicity.

I will speak more to it as we get closer to the countdown, but if the world will not reflect and remake itself in response to all that has happened, I will.