5 Ways to Stay Positive in Another Crazy Year

It feels wild to say it, but 2021 might have been even more overwhelming than 2020. For many of us, May seemed to mark a turning point. It wasn’t a slow rebuild post-pandemic as we’d imagined. Instead, we were faced with the exhausting task of navigating burnout, finding new ways to thrive, and adjusting to a reality that feels both uncertain and constantly shifting.

The truth is, this year has been a rollercoaster, professionally and personally. And if you’re like me, you’ve been holding onto positivity with one hand while the other fumbles for some semblance of stability.

Let’s talk about it. Think of this as a coffee chat—I’ll take a decaf Americano; you grab whatever comforts you. I’m here to share my story and a few strategies that have helped me through a year of change, growth, and lessons learned the hard way.

Why This Year Feels So Wild

Let’s start with the obvious: nothing has gone the way we planned. Remember those hopeful 2020 visions of “putting the pieces back together”? Turns out, rebuilding wasn’t as simple as dusting ourselves off and picking up where we left off. Instead, it’s been a mix of rapid evolution and constant reorganization—both personally and professionally.

Personally, I’ve been through profound changes in my community and relationships. Ending a marriage and a serious relationship in the span of 14 months was life-altering. Professionally, the shifting dynamics of my team and the world of education required me to show up as a leader in ways I hadn’t expected.

For many of us, the rapid changes in education have mirrored this upheaval. Hybrid learning, virtual classrooms, and evolving professional demands have left us juggling an overwhelming workload with little clarity on what comes next.

The Bright Spot: Progress, Even When It Feels Slow

Looking back on the past few years, I’m amazed by the resilience and growth I’ve seen in our community. Together, we’ve adapted and innovated in ways that seemed impossible not long ago. From hosting virtual events like the International O&M Online Symposium to creating resources that truly impact the lives of people with visual impairments, our collective work has been nothing short of transformative.

And yet, the journey hasn’t been without its moments of self-doubt. Imposter syndrome still rears its head. But what keeps me going—and what I hope inspires you—is the reminder that our work, even when imperfect, makes a difference.

How to Stay Positive and Avoid Burnout

The chaos of 2021 has taught me a few things about staying grounded. These strategies have helped me navigate tough times, and I hope they resonate with you too:

1. Explore Your Human Design

I know, it sounds woo-woo, but hear me out. Understanding my human design (I’m a projector, for those curious) gave me permission to honor how my energy works. If you’re curious, you can explore yours at mybodygraph.com. It’s a fun way to reflect on what truly energizes you and how you can live in alignment with your natural flow.

2. Separate Your Mind from Reality

Our minds can be loud, chaotic places. They race with to-do lists, doubts, and worries. But our true selves—the quiet, inner voice—know that things will eventually be okay. To connect with that voice, try asking yourself these questions:

• What are my values?
• Am I living within them?
• What small adjustments could I make to feel more aligned?

3. Journal or Meditate

Not everyone loves meditation (and that’s okay). Journaling is my go-to tool for quieting the noise and connecting with my inner voice. By letting my thoughts spill onto the page, I can sort through emotions, uncover truths, and find clarity.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

Burnout often stems from the pressure to perform or live up to unrealistic expectations. When things feel tight or overwhelming, compassion—for yourself and others—can loosen the grip of tension.

5. Make an Appreciation List

Each morning, jot down a few things you appreciate. These don’t have to be monumental. Some days, I’m just grateful for my couch and a sunny window. Appreciation lists help shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s present and beautiful in your life.

Progress, Not Perfection

Remember, life doesn’t have to be perfect—or even positive—all the time. It’s okay to feel neutral or off-kilter. The goal isn’t to bypass the hard stuff but to honor where you are and take steps to lift yourself toward something better.

Whether it’s diving into human design, journaling your thoughts, or simply appreciating the little things, these tools are here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life.

We need you in this profession and this community. Keep showing up, not as a perfect version of yourself, but as the real, evolving, incredible human that you are.

Stay grounded, stay inspired. We’ve got this.