A Peer’s Perspective: 2020 Vision
by Jill Davis, CPFS
Well, here we are again, looking through the lens of time to the possibilities of a new year. I have a vision of Father Time standing in front of each of us as an optometrist would, with an archaic-looking mask that holds different lenses of years that have passed, asking “better 2018 or 2019? Better 2019 or 2020?” During this time of resolutions and retrospection, many ponder what the New Year will hold, while others work diligently to glean lessons from the old one. As decorations come down and new calendars go up, I wonder what lens you might be looking through as a clean page is offered.
This past holiday season started with some dissonance for many of those I work with, as one of their dear and valued coworkers was tragically lost on Christmas Eve. During this sad time I was impressed by the way everyone gathered to look through the lens of the many ways that she had touched the lives of those around her. Tears mixed with laughter as I learned of how she adored trying new foods without hesitation, how she made everyone around her laugh, and that amid her personal struggles, she enjoyed coffee with good friends. Her company was valued thoroughly, and her absence is felt deeply. As those who knew her well gathered to comfort and support each other, I had the privilege to see through the eyes of those who shared their treasured memories, and for this I am grateful. Stepping into their awareness gave me a clearer vision of who she really was. I know that for these dear people, the New Year holds healing and the ability to carry sweet memories forward in time. Loss often offers the gift and vision of what is truly important in this life that we live. I think of a quote from The Little Prince that fits well here-“it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
This might be the perfect place to ask you what you can see with your heart for the New Year ahead. As 2020 vision is said to be perfect, it looks like we all have the chance this year to cultivate some clarity moving forward. What qualities of those that you love and care about will you hold dear? Is there someone that you can forgive or a wrong that you can forget? What is the one thing that you would really like to try? If you’ll allow, I’d like to offer a rather fun idea that has become a tradition for each New Year. I’ve chosen a word that represents a characteristic I would like to improve or add focus to throughout the coming year. Last year my word was courage and I can tell you that life afforded me many opportunities to exercise and grow my courage. This year, grace is my choice. What word do you choose, I wonder?
My hope for each of you who stop to read this is a year full of smiles, kindnesses both given and returned, and that you find hope that carries you through the challenges this year brings so that you can see with great clarity the direction you would like to travel.
For Briana.
Jill Davis is an author, actress and Peer Services Coordinator for Mind Springs Health who inspires those around her every day with her ability to see into our hearts and light our paths forward. Share your word for the New Year with her at Peers@MindSpringsHealth.org or on Facebook
