Back in January, the insight180 team was excited for the promise of 2020. No, really! We were busier than ever, exhilarated by the work we were doing, and making plans to celebrate our 20th anniversary in business this year! Woo hoo! In late February, I personally experienced the trip of a lifetime traveling to Costa Rica for what was truly an epic business/connection retreat. I returned home on March 3rd and by March 13th, Maryland was in lockdown. My team, our clients, and basically everybody we know were thrust into new territory, making huge adjustments to the way we lived and worked. Fear and uncertainty became part of the daily narrative.
It has been an extraordinary year; heartbreaking in many ways. Yet writing off 2020 as terrible is too easy. Because in the midst of the disruption, turmoil, disappointment and loss, we’ve also been witness to greater awareness, compassion, conviction and creativity.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
–Sun Tzu
We learned a lot this year. We learned what we could – and could not – control and made the best of it. This year, maybe more than any other, helped us clarify who we are and what we stand for. We became more intentional in how we work, who we work with and how we work with each other. It became even more clear that we are a brand that delights in helping mission- and purpose-driven businesses, nonprofits and solopreneurs get clarity and elevate their voices and missions in the world.
It was a year of paradox. Sometimes we felt trapped, and sometimes we felt free. While the pandemic dealt a significant blow to the travel and culture industries (all the places people gather), we were floored by some of the incredible creativity we observed.
So before turning the page on 2020, and in honor of 20 years in business, we wanted to share some of the little (and big) celebrations that this year brought.
Our top 20 in 2020, in no particular order.
- It gets a bad wrap, but what would do without Zoom. Connecting this year was completely different, and we are grateful for this tool. And that it only focuses on the head and shoulders!
- New appreciation for an already amazing team – resilient, creative and more than capable.
- Neighbors watching out for one another. When finding toilet paper was nearly impossible, neighbors shared their supply. We’ve witnessed drive-by birthday parades and graduations, neighbors masking up and random acts of kindness.
- The great outdoors! How could we have forgotten – nature was our respite and safe place. And a mild, beautiful fall, helped extend outdoor evening celebrations like wine on the deck and firepits.
- The birthing of Columbia Community Cares, an inspirational grassroots organization that began in March 2020 in response to the growing & dire needs of community members who are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Simply amazing what this group of volunteers did (and continues to do).
- Finding common purpose in our shared humanity. In addition to CCC, so many wonderful existing organizations that do good, did more good. The tried and true like Community Action Council, Grassroots, CFHoCo, Women’s Giving Circle, Glen Mar Church and so many others. Those who organized and the individuals who donated.
- PPP – it was a little bit of hope when so much was uncertain.
- Next-level brainstorming. The distilleries that shifted to producing hand sanitizer, the hotels that swapped tourists for medical workers.
- Pivots for clients. Some of our nonprofit friends got super creative. From CSFB teaming up with community partners to supply ipads and computers to Baltimore City school children, to Manna House providing bag and box lunches… everyday, to Howard EcoWorks getting creative with masked, small and socially distant “rent-a-crews” – creative pivots abounded.
- 100% cotton sheets… for sleeping on and for making masks with! Insight180 held three “fabric/sheet” drives since we had the front porch to do it (we collected at least a dozen large bags full)!
- Essential workers. Healthcare workers amazed us. We also know that grocery store workers, delivery folks, first responders, shoppers, postal workers, put a lot on the line. Brave and selfless come to mind.
- Black Lives Matter was embraced as a movement, not a moment. And the vast majority of peaceful protests were stirring and inspirational. So much work to be done. Brave and selfless come to mind again.
- Which leads us to the opportunity to have difficult conversations. The election is over and the country is divided. And yet, there is always a place to find common ground. We can do hard things.
- Common ground; like babies laughing, funny cat and puppy videos, our pets! Personally, I fostered a sweet three-year-old dog from Texas and failed! (Which means I officially adopted Oliver. Having another heartbeat in the house, and a great walking partner, is a beautiful thing.
- Knowing when to lean in, shut up, or let go.
- Two FDA approved vaccines that are already being administered widely.
- Random acts of kindness. When we didn’t know what else to do, we quietly helped a few small businesses fix some web issues, update their communications, and promote their events and recommend/like/follow their businesses. Just because we could.
- Finding joy in the little things: flowers from Trader Joe’s flowers, new Spotify playlists, a new walking path, a new recipe, learning new skills. Although I didn’t go down the sourdough starter path, I now make some pretty awesome Indian dishes!
- Tapping into our collective creativity and appreciating the arts. Late night comedians, John Krasinski’s virtual: “Some Good News,” rediscovering Schitt’s Creek on Netflix, Hamilton broadcast on Disney Plus, and the myriad of musical collaborations, live streams and sharing. Oh, and the Acapella app… just fantastic.
- Downtime. It may have taken a while, but once we realized there was not controlling this pandemic and we were in it for the long haul, it became a little easier to take some time off. To take a break in the middle of the day if necessary and to turn off the devices on weekends. Ahhh.
And on that note… savor each moment. There’s still a lot to celebrate. May you be filled with joy, peace, awareness, and happiness now and in the new year!
