Reflections, Not Resolutions

With 2021 now behind us, I’m encouraged to think about all the possibility the new year holds – especially if we don’t bite off more than we can chew.

 

While I’m definitely not subscribing to the the “new year, new you” mindset, I do think reflection is valuable. Here are some of the questions we’ve been discussing lately in our family, including with our adult son with disabilities. I’m amazed at what we’re revealing to ourselves and each other:

• How did you grow last year?

• What people positively impacted your life and how can you enjoy more with them in 2022?

• What are you most proud of from 2021 and how can you build on that in the new year?

• What can we do, give and be to each other in the year ahead?

In 2022, I want to honor how this past year changed us and how it impacted every part of our lives, which it did.  We all have the power to impact the next 12 months in important ways. How will you use yours?

 

-- Norman Vincent Peale

Brick by brick.

I hope building community is a priority for everyone in 2022.  The Conversations on Power & Purpose podcast series offers thought-provoking ways to do just that with and for individuals with disabilities.  Even better are these simple steps we can all take all year long to make families with disabilities feel more welcome and comfortable wherever they go.

I look forward to spotlighting individuals, organizations and municipalities throughout the year who are getting this right and setting an example for the rest of us, like Shoveling for Independence in North Dakota.   What’s working (or not) where you live?

Ready for take-off.

Travel is definitely something I want more of in 2022.  I want to enjoy it with our son who has disabilities, and I also want to be an ally for disabled travelers when I’m not traveling with him.  Since its UK launch in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower campaign has sought to address this issue. This seems like a great service for many families and ripe for US expansion. Meanwhile, I want to celebrate recent accessibility advancements in our country’s transit stations, crosswalks, and national parks.  Hoping 2022 brings even more progress.