Is this really happening?!
Brrr
In my part of the world it is still cold and frosty with lots of snow on the mountains. The burst of pink from the early flowering Rhododendrons ‘Christmas Cheer’, however, signals that spring and warmth and growth is imminent. So far, 2020 has been unlike any other year most of us have ever experienced. It continues to be one that is vertically challenging, meaning we need to learn to overcome obstacles and challenges in all sorts of places.
For some of us these changes and challenges make us feel exhilarated, and for others they can be overwhelming.
Perhaps it is the magnitude of devastation that COVID-19 is causing around the world. Many of us have experienced changes in how we live, work and play, and that sends us on an emotional roller coaster ride.
There are moments when I feel like the events of 2020 seem surreal and unbelievable. Is this really happening?! But, while there is turbulence all around us that can make us feel not in control, it is important to focus on our own wellbeing. For me, looking after my wellbeing is about ensuring I exercise regularly, I read physical books, I become more discerning about the news I read, I stay connected with my family and friends, and I remind myself how fortunate I am that I continue to have these opportunities and experiences.
COVID-19 is going to be with us for quite some time to come. The virus has in a strange way connected us together as we battle to beat it in the hope of returning to what we remember life was before COVID-19. While it is a disorienting and stressful time, it is also an opportunity to innovate, diversify, reinvent, and create new futures. At AAIR, we continue to look at how we can best support our membership by offering both professional support and encouragement. While COVID-19 has been disruptive to our operations, it has provided us with so many opportunities to be more innovative and build AAIR to be your professional association.
Please make the most of the opportunities we are creating for all our members and friends of AAIR, and do let us know if there are more opportunities you think AAIR could offer members.
Stuart Terry
President, AAIR
Photo of Aoraki by David Billings on Unsplash
Photo of Rhododendron flowers by Philipp Guttmann on Wikimedia (GNU Free Documentation License)
