What to write about the week between Christmas and the New Year? That is the question I posed for my wife, Kim, last night. She had some sage advice for me, but first I need to share some of the dilemma so you know what I was experiencing.
This is, perhaps, the hardest post of the year for me to write, especially as we close out a year like 2020! What could I say that hasn't already been said a thousand times? Everything from pontificating abut toilet paper shortages to working from home., from vaccines to what it means to lead a remote workforce.
While the week does in some ways lend itself to some interesting content, as I am thinking about it nothing is resonating...
I could share the best book I read all year, but that has been done before not only by myself, but many others.
(However, if you’re curious, my answer would be The Backpack by Tim Gardner. Seriously, if you haven't read it, stop reading now and go to Amazon and buy it. Then form a book club and talk about it. Then all of you do a review on Amazon and share what you thought! I believe you will love it!)
I could share my favorite podcast of 2020; but so many already do this sort of thing, I don't want to bore you... (Revisionist History by Malcomb Gladwell)
There is always the tried and true for this final week of December to encourage you to reflect more, think more, pray more. And when I share this, people often say “What resource do you recommend I use?” That is such a hard question, because I don't like playing favorites, but I’d have to say 40-Day Journey with Parker Palmer.
I could even use these words to tell you about the book I published this year that my brother, Eric, helped me write, but that would be self-serving. It is a journaling experience that aligns with the EQi-2.0, but you don't really need the assessment to do the journal. A Guided to Journey to Practicing EI Journal.
Or, I could keep it really light and fun and share with you the best new game I learned to play in 2020. But, maybe you are not a game playing person or you just want to stay with the old staples like Monopoly.. Sushi Go Party (this game is serious fun and a real challenge to master).
Then there is the tried and true sharing of the favorite new song of 2020. But maybe your style of music is not like mine so I really don't want to waste your time. Angels We Have Heard (Glory Be) by Jordan Smith.
I think you can see my conundrum. What to write about that hasn't been written before?
That is what my lament was to my wife Kim, who turned to me and said, "Why don't you write about gifts?"
My mind immediately turned to the strengths people possess from a personality perspective.
"No, she said. What is the best gift, in a work context,. you have ever received? People might be interested in knowing that experience."
I have to admit I married a brilliant woman. What a fantastic idea!
So what to write about....
That would have to be you who read these posts. Thank you for that gift. You encourage me. You inspire me.
Especially those of you who read to the very end.
Happy New Year! Let's see what 2021 brings....