Wow. This year has been one for the ages. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve comforted each other, we’ve supported each other through the most difficult days. Through it all, we, at Change Matrix, have been grateful to continue and increase our work to support equity in organizations, communities and systems across the country.
At the beginning of 2020, our Change Matrix staff each chose a word that indicated our intentions for the year. We take a moment to reflect on how the word has shown up for us over the year.
Elizabeth – Grace: In 2020, I felt that in my professional personal roles as coach, partner, mother, that I would want to give grace over the year. I also felt that there would be time that I would need to seek and receive grace (sometimes harder than giving). Over the year both giving and receiving grace showed up interpersonally, in my coaching work particularly, and as we continue to build CM.
London – Be: I chose the word be for 2020, because I felt a desire to let go of a need for control in many situations. I wanted to bring more balance and flow into my life. Little did I know when I chose that word just how many challenges (good and not so good) the year would bring and how important just being in the moment would actually become. I have learned a great deal in the past year and hope to take these learnings with me and really apply them in 2021.
Annie – Balance: There was some semblance of balance for me in 2020, largely due to the quarantine, which gave me time with my family and appreciation of the simple moments together. Things slowed down this year, and I did not feel like my heart, mind, and energy were pulled in too many directions. Wishing a better year for everyone in 2021!
Alice – Okay: This year “okay”, came up alot in my life. It was a self reminder that things would be “okay”. And it is “okay” to be frustrated, angry and sad. It’s “okay” to laugh-out-loud, smile and be myself. This year was a year of acceptance and reassurance (it’s okay). Cheers to what 2021 will bring.
Alina – Meraki: I chose this word, meaning the soul, creativity, or love put into something you do, with the hope that it would encourage me to put my whole being into my life and the actions that I take. While this year undoubtedly posed immense challenges which often left me feeling disparate, disparaged, and far from my word, it also provided so much opportunity for reflection. I felt more strongly (for better or worse) the connection we all share as earth dwellers and the responsibility and meraki we owe to ourselves, each other, and our world.
Kristin – Trust: 2020 has been a year of challenging myself to trust the process. When everything is out of your control, and everyone around me (and myself!) are dealing with such big decisions during a difficult year, I have continually reminded myself to trust the process.
Suganya – Courage: Courage – for the last 8 months, I’ve been seeing great acts of courage by people from all walks of life as they care for family, friends, and community during this pandemic. Their courage encourages me to do whatever I can to stay strong for family and friends in the coming months as we await a vaccination that can change the trajectory of this pandemic.
Kazzy – (RE)claimed: This year brought a lot of healing that allowed me to (re)claim parts of me I had lost. I (re)claimed traditions I never knew I needed that helped keep me grounded during quarantine. I (re)claimed aspects of myself like my voice, which helped me share ideas in and outside of work. And most importantly, (re)claimed my self love, which drastically helped set boundaries and manage stress this year!
Karla – Perseverance: The word “perseverance” was a grounding word for me in 2020. As stressed as I have felt, the impulse to fight through and not “give up” gave me the courage to continue to better myself. I hope to continue to persevere in spite of all worldly difficulties!
Kaitlin – I began the new year having just moved to a new state and looking for a new position after several years in the same professional role. Starting over in a new place seemed a bit daunting personally and professionally, but I focused on being adaptable and opening myself up to the possibilities offered by these changes. This mindset helped push me to meet new people and experience what my city has to offer–even though the pandemic sometimes made it challenging!
Jennifer – Open: Open showed up this year for me in unexpected ways; It wasn’t just about being open-minded. I found it was open to experiences, learning and inviting others to be with you.
Sandra – Create Space: My intention was to create more space in my life for healthy practices and deeper connections. Needless to say, the COVID pandemic challenged my ability to connect with anyone and increased the need to maintain healthy practices in my life as part of self-care. Upon reflection of what I was hoping for in 2020, I plan to continue this intention in 2021 and look forward to visiting friends again in the new year.
Rachele – Present: Little did I know how meaningful this word would be for 2020. Being present for myself and present for others was crucial this year. This word reminded me that a “present” for myself was the time for self-care to help support wellbeing.
Tennille – Acceptance:2020 forced acceptance upon me like no other year. I was thrown into situations I had no control over and had to roll with the punches.
Tonicia – Peace: I have been intentional in my efforts to foster both internal and external peace through self-care activities and setting boundaries. This is important to me physically and mentally, and enables me to be my best self so that I can effectively fulfill my life’s mission.
Eve – Patient: It’s fair to say that 2020 has thrown everyone off course, and that has resulted in a lot of changed goals and altered timelines. I have been trying to be very intentional in being patient with both myself and others in all aspects of life through this pandemic. I’m going to be mindful about maintaining that attitude even after COVID-19 is no longer an issue.
Chyenne – Peace: This year has been heavy and disheartening for so many reasons, and many of us feel our spirits broken down. Throughout the twists and turns, I have been reminding myself to find moments of peace and relish in them. It is important to center yourself, to take deep breaths, and release energy that does not serve you. I have tried to savor small moments of peace as I come across them, whether it’s a full moon or breathing in crisp clean night air, and be present in them.
