Think Better’s Bright Spots of 2020
2020 didn’t turn out to be the year that anyone expected. But through all of the changes and challenges, there were some bright spots too.
First of all, we all feel fortunate to be working with such a great team and with an amazing group of passionate, hard-working clients. We feel proud to work alongside such incredible businesses and they truly inspire us.
This week, the Think Better team reflects on a few of the other joyful experiences, big and small, that helped us through 2020.
Mea Andrews
This year had been a rollercoaster but even with all the challenges, there have been many silver linings too. In being forced to slow down, I rediscovered simple things that bring me joy and realized how much I had been taking for granted.
I live in Chicago and have always had a very hectic schedule—work, meetings, mentoring, networking, time with friends (repeat!). The pandemic forced a BIG pause and I reconnected with things that have always brought me joy but that were increasingly overshadowed by activity.
I spent many lazy Sunday afternoons reading a book with my dog curled in my lap. "COVID cardio" became my favorite form of exercise. I’m grateful for long walks through one of the many Chicago neighborhoods or driving out to a forest preserve and going on a long hike. Lastly, I’m grateful that my friends and I spent more time outdoors than ever before. We started a new tradition of summer picnics in the park every other Thursday and we’re committed to keep that tradition going!
Kerri Hebert
My unexpected joy this year was spending so much time outdoors with my family. From backyard water balloon fights to tubing on a northern Michigan lake to fall hiking in the Colorado mountains, I loved seeing my kids having fun outside instead of playing on electronics. Even walks around our neighborhood became little adventures, and we made new friends with many neighbors who were doing the same.
With so many of our "normal" activities closed or limited, I deeply appreciated the times we were able to get out and make our quarantine world feel a little bit larger.
Andrea Steffes-Tuttle
I am incredibly grateful for where I live. In this year of disorder and hardship, it’s a great reprieve to have the outdoors in my backyard. My time outside and the kindness and respect of the community here in Boulder, Colorado brightened many of the darker scenes of 2020.
I also want to recognize the Think Better team, Susan, Kerri, Danielle, and the newly-added Mea. This lovely team has been a reliable and positive force every day of my year.
Susan Evans Green
I’ve always appreciated Colorado for the great outdoors but that appreciation was taken to a new level in 2020! I am so thankful that I can get outside to run, bike, garden, and play with my dog, Argus. This winter, I hope to do some more backcountry snowboarding and try nordic skiing so I can enjoy the winter and keep playing outside.
Another great joy for me during 2020 has been cooking. I’ve always loved cooking and baking but never seemed to have enough time to take on bigger, more time-consuming challenges. Over the past year I’ve had a blast making English muffins from scratch, fresh pasta, dozens of tahini chocolate chip cookies, a killer butternut squash gallete, cardamon buns, and much more. With all of this cooking, it’s a good thing I’ve been also been getting outside and moving to work off all of my cooking endeavors!
