Every year in July we embrace the theme of “Reflection” at Footers Catering.  Although we certainly take time at the end of the year to reflect on our accomplishments and the lessons we’ve learned, I think there is tremendous value in making a point to go through this exercise half way through the year.  The things that we’ve experienced are more recent and there is an opportunity to be intentional about putting lessons learned into action for the second half of the year.  This is especially true for 2020 where for me the past four months have felt more like four years!

In addition to having everyone on our team write down their best moment and worst moment from each month during 2020, they all had to answer a question inspired by my friend Sara Van Rensberg, the CEO of Colorado Thought Leaders Forum.  A month ago or so, she asked me; “What will you take with you when the pandemic is over?”  I love this question because it forces us to find something positive that we are experiencing during this time, a silver lining to all the negativity and setbacks that so many of us are going through.  It causes us to slow down for a moment, to think about our long term future, and reframe our challenges as opportunities to grow.  As Winston Churchill said after WWII, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”.

For me personally, there are a number of things I will take with me once we get past the pandemic, and here are two that are currently top of mind for me.  I’ve invited fitness back into my life and gotten into a regular exercise routine that always seemed to fall behind all of my other commitments and things I packed into my schedule prior to Covid-19.  Regular exercise has given me more energy, made me mentally and physically stronger, and overall I feel better on days when I’ve worked up a sweat. I will also continue “breakfast meetings” with my kids.  Previously they always asked why I couldn’t have breakfast with them and I would say “because I have a breakfast meeting”, to which they replied, “when can you have a breakfast meeting with us?”  Breakfast meetings with my kids are almost daily now and while I might not be able to keep it up everyday, I will make sure they are more often than not going forward. 

I want to share a few of the things that our team said they will take with them and I hope you are inspired to take time to answer this same question for yourself.  I would love for you to share your response on our Mibe Tribe social media channels in hopes that it will inspire others to find their silver linings and think about what they will take with them once the pandemic is over.

“When this is over, I will continue to remind myself to keep it moving and let love and gratitude be the guiding light.”

“I will continue to lean into family for support. I used to call but was never as involved as I have been. Video has helped strengthen the connection during this time.”

“I will continue to trust in the process, don’t chase down every temporary high. What I meant here is that I was so used to measuring my life based on what my next adventure was, or what the next upcoming fun “thing” was. With not a lot of “things” to look forward to, I started to measure my life based on much smaller moments: clean sheets, reading my book outside, going to the gym, etc. It has made me realize that if I take this after the pandemic, I may be able to define my happiness in much smaller, simpler ways rather than always chasing down the bigger highs.”

“I will without a doubt take patience with me when this pandemic is over. It is so easy to get frustrated with the constant changes that are being thrown our way, but I need to learn to take a step back, take a big inhale, and let some of the shit I can't control go and do my best for myself and my team.”

“In no particular order I will take with me:

• Fluidity is okay- sometimes even plan D goes out the window

• Still family over everything

• Slowing down is okay and there are a lot of things I don't NEED to be happy

• It's the simple things

• You cannot eat and drink all of the things.”

“I will continue to be thankful for everything no matter how big or small - nature, enjoying a patio beer with friends, walking into my parents home.”

So, what will you take with you?

*Each week I share a leadership message with our team and we are honored to share it with you via MIBE Tribe.  MIBE (the acronym for Make It Better Everyday) Tribe delivers education on heart leadership and intentional culture building for the hospitality industry.  Know someone who would enjoy these weekly motivational messages?  We’d be honored if you encouraged them to become a “mibe scriber” too!