dallas arboretum

Hope is the only strategy

Many business leaders over the years have tried to impress upon their organizations that “Hope is Not a Strategy.” The obvious message being that hard work, tenacity, taking the appropriate steps, follow-up, etc. are the keys to success. Action is required to achieve goals in most areas of life—personal, relationships, business, education.

But right now, in 2021, I’m not sure I can affect the issues that have troubled me most over the past 10 months. In fact, I am positive that I can have zero impact on the effectiveness of the COVID vaccines, and whether we will be able to gather as large groups later this year. I am unable to strategize to bring my elderly parents or in-laws to visit us in Dallas. I cannot plan a trip to Europe, book flights and hotels. I am unable to purchase theater tickets for that show in NYC that’s been on my bucket list.

I cannot make it a goal to return to the normal life that we once knew and plan for it step by step. These things are out of my hands and no amount of positive energy, strategic planning or action can bring any of it to fruition.

But I can HOPE for a better 2021. I am able to PRAY for a healthy future for my grandchildren and long life for their parents. I won’t wallow in what cannot be done and lament in all the freedoms that we have lost. Although it’s natural to wonder at the shocking changes in our daily lives from January 2020, when the excitement of a fresh decade lay before us, I can choose not to complain and accept that I must do what must be done to navigate the new normal.

I read an article last week in which the writer interviewed individuals, asking them what vision they kept in their mind’s eye to help them through these difficult months of isolation and restriction. There were all sorts of answers…each detailed a “happy place” in which the individual dreamed to be immersed once again. A crowded baseball stadium, a Broadway premiere, a filled classroom with students facing their professor.

There are many liberties that I hope to enjoy in the future but I think the simplest pleasure that I look forward to experiencing again is one I’ve mentioned repeatedly. Picture a grassy slope that overlooks a small lake where sailboats are anchored close to shore. The sun is setting directly ahead so light is filtering through the trees, causing some to shade their eyes with hands. A cover band is setting up and sound-testing their instruments. We are surrounded by other families camped out on blankets or stadium chairs, sipping glasses of wine, nibbling on cheese and crackers or sharing pizza. Some of my grandchildren, now old enough to stay up for an outdoor concert, are running around our own blankets, giggling and drinking from sippy cups. Their parents, my grown children and spouses, are chatting with their father and each other while he pours champagne for all of us. I am plating cold fried chicken, potato salad, and other picnic food, loving every minute. This is my happy place. This is the image I cling to as I hope for a better 2021. ❣️

Happy New Year! 🥂