GConnie

I drive to work early each morning - from a gravel drive, to a two lane road that widens to four lanes once I reach town. The first traffic light guards a four lane intersection and I rarely am greeted with green. It is at this light in the early morning that I considered how often we act in small ways without thinking and in doing so impact others. When I pull up to this light, I could be in the right lane, positioning myself perfectly for an upcoming right turn. Or I could stop in the left lane and move over after I clear the intersection. One would think that the right lane would be the better choice knowing where I was going. Perhaps not. I pulled up to the light in the left lane and noticed that cars would pull into the right lane and proceed on their right turn. Were I in the right lane, I would be blocking all of those drivers who do not need to wait for the light. Small thing - the light is only minutes ... one ... two...three cars take the turn (the record is six now) before the light turned green. A minute or two can make a big difference, I know. In fact I imagined that each of those drivers arrived at their destination early enough to prepare for their day, had time for coffee, got an extra hug from their child. The light changes to green and I'm on my way. It cost me nothing in time or money - and perhaps none of those drivers even think about it. But I still smile. A smile is a wonderful way to start a day. Starting a day with compassion for others is a wonderful way to live.

Sojourn - the word that I've chosen to frame my year. I've set another goal. In 2021 I will make my home an oasis, a resting place, a place of refreshment. There is no doubt that our surroundings have a powerful effect on us. Over time I've already made improvements - making my residence into a home. As I consider this goal, I am grateful for what has already been accomplished and appreciate even more where I live. This is not a goal of dissatisfaction. It is a goal of fine tuning and so I pay attention to how I am refreshed and renewed. I notice when something steals my rest. A reading nook and a new flower bed this year I think. I love fresh flowers on the table. Yes, that will be a good start.

Hang on … its going to be a bumpy ride! And I'm here looking for ways to support my community. I see people stepping forward, working together, supporting local, doing good … and I see persistence and ingenuity in the business community. I am proud to be part of this - part of the solution. We will get to the other side of this challenge. Here's what I'm doing right now ...

1. Showing some tangible love to local businesses.
2. Staying up to date on available free and low cost resources for business and offer free and low cost consultations to connect people to those resources.
2. Offering flexible billing and rates in uncertain times.
3. Available for electronic appointments and telephone calls instead of in-office meetings.
4. Relying on technology for document preparation, review and signing - so my clients can focus on business.
5. Will preparation and signing - this is an important need and we are meeting this challenge. From "in office" following CDC sanitizing recommendations, to entirely no contact "through a window" signings, we are flexible to your concerns.