From the desk of: Cathy Coloff
Subject: 2020 is looking brighter than ever!
December is often a time to reflect while at the same time look ahead. It’s been a busy year both at IT Radix and at home. So much so that it’s hard to even remember last spring. I’ve never been one for journaling or the like. I do it in starts and stops. I’ll open my journal and realize that months have gone by since my last entry. Of course, being the technology-oriented person that I am, I always debate with myself whether I would do better if I resorted to some type of digital diary instead. So far I simply cannot embrace that approach. When I do sit to write something personal down, I enjoy the smooth fountain pen gliding across the paper as I write in my mixed print-cursive handwriting. I was sorry to learn that Alex would not be learning cursive writing in school as handwriting can truly be a work of art. In high school, I took an adult education course in calligraphy and I still have the pens and lined practice paper. Exactly where it is in my basement is a bit of a mystery, but I take comfort in knowing its down there.
As a life-long learner, I challenged myself at a “camp” for adults in November. It was 3-day retreat that was part vacation, part “mastermind” and part “misogi.” I didn’t even know what “misogi” meant until I decided to go. When I first looked up “misogi” on the Internet, I found references to a Japanese purification ritual; so I was thinking along the lines of mediation, but I came to learn that it in this case it was much more than simply standing under a waterfall and chanting. Now, to me, misogi has come to mean a personal quest designed by you, testing yourself both mentally and physically in a new environment. The goal is to expand and withstand, to explore new experiences and to develop your grit. Now, I won’t be doing a “Tough Mudder,” but I do have a few plans which will make me a better individual (hopefully) and make my 2020 great.
In the meantime, I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy holiday season and wish you a bright 2020!
First published in our December 2019 IT Radix Resource newsletter
