2020 has been a very special year for most of us. As for me, I’ll always remember this year, for the bad thing but also, because great things happened.
March – the beginning of the big change
Like many other local guides, March was supposed to be the month dedicated to my Connect Live application. I’ve been part of the unofficial Local guide Facebook group for a year as a moderator and I’ve learned to recognize some familiar faces. Though, let’s face it, I was always so busy that I was looking at that community from far away, thinking about how “tomorrow”, I would get myself involved more.
BAM! Locked down happened. From now on, the only word everyone was talking about was COVID-19. I was now stuck at home with my kids, without a real social circle. It was really stressful and I had no one around me to share it.
Connect saved my life and my Sanity
That’s where you are all coming into action. Every day, I would find myself on connect, reading your post and even writing some. You were there to support me when I had to go work in the red zone, giving me strength and courage to continue my work. During these difficult times, Connect was the highlight of my day. I would sit in front of my computer, wondering what stories I could share with you or finding posts written by my new friends. I even had the chance to be featured on social media because of my post on Connect!
Online meet-up upped the game
I can still remember my first online meet-up. I was invited by @KarenVChin to the Ice-cream lover meet-up. I have to say that I was a bit intimidated because there were so many great local guides during this gathering. But Karen was a great host at making everyone comfortable and I enjoyed the intimate feels of her event.
Shortly after, I’ve met the French local guides community. I was immediately at ease with them. Every time there was an event with @Julien44 , @christophesubilia and @DinaMardiana it was as if I was catching up with old friends.
My summer was punctuated with regular meet-ups. They would always cheer me up. And I was able to get to know more some new friends like @Kwiksatik and @Denise_Barlock with their wonderful states challenge. It was so fun. I went further out of my shell by co-hosting the New York State challenge with them. And it was really fun!
2020, what was it about?
Was 2020 so bad? Well, it did have some depressing times, but overall, it was a good year for me. I’m really grateful for everything that happened during this year and especially, to have the chance to be part of such a great community. Next year will be even better because you’ll already be part of my life!
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to you and everyone here for making my 2020 great, and I’m looking forward to what 2021 will bring.
