What word or phrase best describes 2020?

Each of these accurately describe 2020 and there is one under-utilized word worth adding…EXILE

Exile is the state or a period of forced absence from one’s country or home.

While 2020 did not force most of us away from our country or home, it is has forced all of us to deal with unprecedented amounts of uncertainty.

Will I lose my job? Will my family be healthy? Can this seemingly divided country come back together? I just swore very loudly at my kids while on a Zoom call — I was on mute right???

The exile of 2020 remains challenging and it appears those challenges will continue well into 2021, but can this exile have benefits?

The main benefit of exile in my own life is being present in the mornings and after-school with my kids, especially with my oldest who will leave for college in the spring of 2021. This is an unprecedented opportunity for career adults. I am grateful for this most of the time — aside from yelling at them when I’m on Zoom. 😊

No one in their right mind would wish this year to happen again. It has been financially, relationally, emotionally and spiritually difficult. Each of us have experienced setbacks.

Two setbacks for me was cancelling a family vacation of a lifetime and fewer opportunities to build deeper friendships in our still-new hometown. As I type those disappointments onto the screen, I realize how blessed I am — I have a fantastic job, my family is healthy, I have meaningful relationships.

My hope is to encourage myself and anyone else to find the good, even in the midst of difficulty. Life is simply too short to waste an entire year.

In closing,

Have you taken time to recognize the good things which happened during exile? Write them down.

Conversely, what did the great exile of 2020 take from you? Write that down too.

What new routines have we learned that could benefit us well into the future?

How can we finish 2020 strong? Perhaps it getting our financial house in order, celebrating our victories more often, or calling someone we’ve lost touch with, or going on a date with my wife.

Stay well friends and let’s finish strong.

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