Between the outbreak of the flu, RSV, and yet again another round of COVID it’s easy to be on dimmers. That was certainly the case with me, having gotten the flu a few weeks back, and

had to cancel several parties and group gatherings, and my partner, Marty shortly after got yet another round of COVID. This time much worse than the other times. Thank Goodness he’s on the mend. What started out as a “quieter but still fun” holiday time, devolved into self-quarantine and lots of time with me, myself, and I.

But what I kept hearing over and over in my head, and I know to be true is “Within the mundane, it’s up to us to find the magical.”

And that was certainly the case.

After a full recovery and a boatload of errands, I decided to walk to the Upper West Side to accomplish them. I was bundled up, and what started as a get-it-off-my-things-to-do list turned into a magical adventure. The groups of people coming out of Lincoln Center chattering about the show, the elaborate lights on each street corner, and then I saw this metal orb with a description etched in granite, and lines of people walking within the structure.

I quickly walked up to the young man who was taking registrations on their iPad. The installation was called “Your Voices,” and in short, it was a replication of the 700 languages that are spoken in NYC at any one given moment. I got goosebumps. I was reminded of what I love about NYC. The richness of diversity, the multi-colors of the rainbow of humanity from religions, sexual orientation, ethnicity and so much more. I dropped my things-to-do list, or at least put it aside, and I walked through the exhibit. I was smitten by the collection of languages, the different tonality, gender, and what I perceived as a variety of ages. The poetry of the language ran throughout. Each language reverberated throughout my being.

As a Motivational Speaker and Resiliency Speaker in NYC, I’m often smitten by that same diversity in the groups I speak to. Whether the diversity in gender, ethnicity, age, or different levels of teams, I’m reminded we all bring our complexity, our brilliance, and our unique flavor to the table. And when I heard this orchestra of voices, I’m reminded that we have so much to offer in our unique gifts, interests, experiences, and yes even challenges.

What started out as a mundane activity of “get it over with” errands, became a magical reminder of the richness of humanity, and to celebrate both our differences as well as the universal threads that run through all of us.

During the holidays so many people feel sad or isolated. Or are you in the hustle and bustle and pressure of getting all those things done? It’s easy to have lost sight of what the holidays at their essence are, which is truly about light. During these times, how can you find the magical in the mundane, and most of all, how can you support someone else to do the same? I’d love to know.

Looking for ways to create greater meaning, fulfillment, and magic in your life? Let’s set up a time to tawk and make that happen.

Wishing you all a meaningful, fulfilling, and impactful holiday season!