We all know it, this past year was the start of something big. Just like with 9/11, we all remember where we were last March when it all began, and I bet that most of us haven’t moved far from that spot, at least physically. Our stories, however, will travel as storytelling always does, from one generation to another, and from friend to friend. I know where my story begins but, I find myself wondering, what comes next?
One thing is for sure, I had plenty of time to think about what matters most to me, as I looked longingly out windows, at screens, and went on for walks with the dog. The simplicity of my daily routine, which seldom varied, gave me an opportunity to slow down and appreciate simple things like the birds at the feeder and the taste of a homemade meal. My guess is that you feel the same way.
Now that the gift of vaccines allows us to begin to move safely, I find myself hesitating instead of rushing back to life as it was. Certainly dinners with friends and seeing family after a long absence are going to feel wonderful but I wonder how to build on what I learned this past year?
I got a jumpstart on this recently. After months of movie watching from the comfort of my couch, I wanted to weigh in on this year’s Oscar Awards. At first my heart sank when I saw the sparse crowd spread out on the makeshift stage and I almost turned the television off. Not one to give up before at least predicting a few major awards, I stuck with it. The speeches were longer than normal but I carefully listened and heard the recipients’ stories and saw the pride in so many diverse faces. I felt my heart softening and then came my call to action.
Deep in my memory, I remembered learning about the work of this year’s Humanitarian Award Winner, Tyler Perry, and being impressed. His work in Atlanta is amazing but the simplicity of his message is what resonated with me. He dedicated the award to “anyone who wants to stand in the middle—no matter what’s around the walls because that’s where the healing happens, that’s where change happens.” He credited his mother, of course, who taught him that there is a solution to every problem.
So I urge all us Rippers, who have the good fortune of health, time, resources, and curiosity, to pick up Perry’s challenge and run with it. Let’s turn this year’s story into something epic. The time to start the next chapter is now. I’ll share mine and want to read yours!
