Reflections on a Year Gone By
The year began with the intense wildfires in Australia and pictures shared globally of burning lands and injured koala bears. Then came March with the intensifying rise of the novel coronavirus across the globe leading to shutdowns, canceled traveled plans, work from home and for many job loss, and a heartbreaking loss of life. May brought 8 minutes and 46 seconds and a name, George Floyd, that would bring an an overdue awakening of the persistent and often destructive patterns of policing and police brutality that inflict communities of color across the country daily. June ushered in nationwide protests against police brutality, calls for racial justice and much needed criminal justice reforms. The summer bled into the fall with increased political tensions, the end of the presidential primaries, the start of the general election, and an upswing in COVID-19 cases across the country. November and December brought an end to the presidential election, record voter turnout, continued political discontent with many, and adjusted holiday plans.
It's surely been a year - I know people who were sick with COVID-19, who lost loved ones, who celebrated births, who are learning to navigate the defeat of an election loss, and who are celebrating an election victory. Throughout this year, as challenging as it has been, I have been for a lack of better words very fortunate. I was able to work from home, remained employed, celebrated 10 years at the Justice Policy Institute and a much needed title change (director of organizational impact). I continued my volunteer leadership work in civilian oversight of law enforcement as the chair of the DC Police Complaints Board. I traveled to North Carolina to celebrate love in a socially distanced and beautiful backyard wedding for my former housemates Mebnie and Hart. I shared joy with friends who welcomed babies into the world, heartache with those who lost loved ones, and reconnected with many through the magic of video calls. I spent weekends at my friends' lakehouse, watched the sunrise from the desert, and toasted the memories of loved ones. Oh and I bought a condo and realized a dream with the launch of the Whiskey Queens podcast.
I try my best to keep my face towards the sun, march forward, and celebrate all that I can. It's not always easy to do, but if life has taught me anything it is that challenges and loss are inevitable - so celebrate what you can. And as my dear friend Tim McGraw says "always stay humble and kind."
Ok, we may not be dear friends, but I'd like to think that if we met we would be. And if you don't get this reference check out the music video below.
I'm glad you've been on this journey with me and I can't wait to see what 2021 has in store. Always stay humble and kind.
With love,
DC3FO