2021 Gratitude

Just last week, I was prompted by an LI-generated email to write a post celebrating 2021 wins. Rather than boring everyone with that, I thought to express my gratitude for a few things that helped get through another year of pandemic...

Health

• The availability of COVID vaccines was a game changer. I remember feeling a huge sense of relief and protection after that first jab. The medical technology we live with and benefit from is nothing short of amazing.
• A Teeter, recumbent crosstrainer we purchased and started jamming on. Gotta keep moving to stay healthy.
• Access to doctors, dentists and medicines. They provided care and healing when it was needed.

Spiritual practice

• My close friends know that my wife and I maintain a dedicated Dharma practice in the Vipassana tradition. The Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City has been nothing short of fantastic in offering teaching and support for our local community and beyond during the pandemic.
• The richness of Dharma practice has helped us to cope deeply and I believe effectively with the stress, uncertainty and change of living through this challenging time.

Family & friends

• Friends and family all managed to stay COVID-free. Early in the year, we had limited contact, eg, outdoor coffee or chats. Zoom synch-ups were a no brainer, risk-free alternative. As everyone has gotten vaxxed, more frequent, in-person meetings became less nerve-wracking affairs. With rapid testing kits we have managed to enjoy a closer holiday season and meals together.
• I lost a colleague and friend to cancer too soon. He was not only an excellent role model for how to live a life, but also for how to die. I miss his warmth, insight, and compassion.
• My wife and son have been the greatest of friends and companions throughout the year, no matter the circumstances.

Livelihood

• The company I work for, Model N, has been very supportive of its people during the pandemic. From allowing new work models to evolve, to responding to the COVID crisis in India which affected many colleagues and their loved ones, to the frequent updates and communication about business strategy and operations. Our people have pulled together to keep the business functioning properly, the customers satisfied, and the income stream flowing.
• All of the amazing colleagues and customers I am fortunate to interact with on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• The continued opportunity and privilege to do deep and interesting work in User Experience.

Of course there are an infinite number of things to be grateful for. As someone wise once said to me (putting it all into perspective), "I'm just glad that I can breathe without medical assistance".

May 2022 find you all healthy, happy, prosperous and safe!