I took a selfie today on one one of my favorite corners in NYC, the northwest corner of 35th and Lexington. I realized there is so much in this photo that may symbolize what we may all be moving through.

The Empire State Building:
Since its construction, the Empire State Building has symbolized the technological prowess and economic strength of the United States. YOU have mastered technological prowess by participating in Zoom book clubs, faith-based services, movement classes and many other programs. And while we still have a long way to go to help our economy, you know we will make it!

The Stop Lights:
I think back to March 13th, 2020 when everything STOPPED. Boom. Yet now, nearly a year later, you can feel the movement again. Perhaps it’s the spring in the air or the arrival of the many vaccines, but our neighborhoods are humming along as we go from red, to yellow to finally green lights one day!

The One Way Signs:
If you learned anything during this time, it’s that there has been no ONE WAY to do this pandemic! I put my head down and focused – shifting clients to video, starting our online group classes and teaching health and wellness seminars to help people move through COVID, racial injustice, stress, and overwhelm. Whether you got the closets cleaned or not doesn’t matter. You are doing COVID your way and that is what matters most. :)

The Wonder Woman Mask:
My mask was made by Alice, a long-time client who has made masks for so many during this time. Wonder Woman’s origin story relates that she was sculpted from clay by her mother Queen Hippolyta  and was given a life to live, from Zeus, along with superhuman powers as gifts by the Greek gods. Since the pandemic began, perhaps you have felt sculpted from clay, reviewing what truly matters to you in life and discovering you indeed have superhuman powers as gifts.

Thank you for moving through this year in time with me. You have provided structure, reliability, faith and hope for me over these many months. You have strengthened my belief that we are all human beings- wanting to be seen, loved, thought of and cared about. You have proven that community thrives – even in our Zoom room.

My spirits are lifted week over week with you on the team. Thank you for being a member of this community!

Keep the faith.