Unprecedented will be the most overused word of 2020.
It has been an extraordinary year. We have experienced bush fires, black lives matter protests, Trumps tweets and election loss, the terrible explosion in Beirut, lockdowns, mask wearing, home schooling, Zooming, loss of young and old to COVID-19, challenges around weddings and funerals and the desire to ensure that we have enough toilet paper to take us into the next century.
Lining up for COVID-19 tests became a norm for 2020
As I reflect on the year that was, I acknowledge that most importantly it has given me an opportunity to slow down, stop and re-evaluate what I care about. I have created rituals, found space and been more present than ever for myself and others.
Collectively across the world we have rallied together in support of Black Lives Matter, pushing for long overdue change. As a woman of colour I have more hope today than ever before that this time we will make a lasting difference.
However perhaps the most exciting moment of 2020 was the confirmation of the first woman of colour Vice President who happens to share the same name as my mother 😊and who can forget this look. So many of us have had the same looks from our Indian mothers and aunties.
My 2020 goals are still up on my shower wall. They remain there as a sign of defiance on a year that also took away much.
It was going to be an EPIC year as far as I was concerned. I was going to have energy and focus on achieving what I wanted, increased connections with my tribe, travel and time out.
A year ago, when I wrote these, I had no idea how much 2020 would take away.
Personally, it has been a year of exhaustion, loss, heartbreak, unrelenting grief, anger, disbelief and I am weary to the bone.
The sudden and unexpected loss of my dad, a man on whose shoulders I have stood for 54 years, my hero, gone. Never to hear his voice, or his laughter, the crazy jokes or memes and to have a whisky or two solving the worlds problems.
I have learnt that grief is different for everyone, it is unrelenting yet somehow, we find ways to cope. Often through stories, laughter, tears, anger and time with those who matter the most.
Death is a lonely journey and the humanity and kindness of our front-line workers cannot be underestimated. Their understanding and my collective family is what got me through the darkest, hardest moments of 2020.
I miss him every day
From a business sense it has been a mix of achievement, change, unlearning and deeper connections. COVID-19 has changed how we do business and will continue to do so. Our Harcourts Move team pivoted quickly, we remained connected during the hardest lockdown, kept learning and pushing forward.
I made the decision to change jobs mid pandemic… yup I know who does that! I moved from Harcourts to Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP), we are a collective of industry leaders who are committed to empowering the industry, transform how we connect and engage with clients, providing innovations for agents and operational excellence for businesses. More on this in 2021…. many exciting projects to be announced.
With my co-host Div Pillay we launched our new podcast Business in Colour, born from Black Lives Matter movement. We are two women of colour, having conversations with leaders and allies who understand diversity is a philosophy that leaders must have. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We are taking a short break and season two will be back on air in late January with a stellar line of up guests.
You can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, subscribe and share with your tribe.
One must acknowledge the other powerful lessons that have been learnt during 2020.
The pandemic threw many challenges at us however it has also allowed us to embrace change and move out of our comfort zones.
The virtual world of conferences, meetings, drinks with family and friends, walks with loved ones quickly became the norm. It was wonderful to see that we will do whatever it takes to remain connected to each other.
The currency of trust became critical, our team was able to deliver award winning results while working remotely. As a leader I had to trust that they were ok, and they would ask for help as needed.
In a toss everything we believe we cannot live without – gyms, shops, movies, restaurants – all gone. That in the end it is my own home and family that keeps me safe and fulfilled.
More importantly that I need to slow down, the pace I kept prior to 2020 was unreasonable and unhealthy. Self-care, mental and emotional health is critical, simply saying no needs to continue to be a priority.
2020 has been a year that has given me the happiest and most heart-breaking moments I have ever experienced. I have unlearnt a lot!
Until 2021, stay safe, stay connected
