Ushering in the New Year; Reflecting on 2020

AYLA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

BY DAVID KING, GRAVES DOUGHERTY HEARON & MOODY

Just one more month to go in 2020! And, boy, what a year it’s been. If you are like me, even in “normal” years, December is a time for closure. The billable hours are tallied, the bonuses are dispersed (hopefully), and the office begins to slow as the last week of the year approaches. (Although maybe not quite so much for all of you transactional lawyers who need to finish your deals before Jan. 1. Sorry!) This year more than ever, I think we’re all ready for that closure.

December is also a poignant time. On one hand, it’s a time of joy as we celebrate with friends and family. But on the other hand, aided perhaps by the short, winter days, it can also be a somber time as we mark the passing of another year of our finite lives.

For me, these colliding emotions also usher in a time of reflection. The whirlwind of the past year dies down long enough to catch your breath before it picks back up again in January. And that moment of calm allows time to consider the bigger picture—to consider hopes, goals, and potential changes in how we are living our lives. That’s what New Year’s resolutions are all about, right?

So what are some of the big-picture things I’ve been thinking about as we approach 2021? Well, the whirlwind hasn’t quite died down for me yet, so I haven’t had much time to mull over the big, existential questions, but, in a year like this, there is plenty to think about.

Here’s one that’s at the top of my mind: What the heck is going on with our political culture, and what can we do about it? Win or lose, I expect most people are relieved to not have to think about a presidential election—much less an election like this one—for a long time. But the damage has been done. Political polarization has become so pronounced that it seems as if there is little room for dialogue between the parties and little room for moderate voices. And, based on what a nail-biter of an election this was, it seems unlikely that this is going to change anytime soon.

[A]s we reflect on what has been a uniquely challenging and stressful year, I hope we will emerge not only with some closure, but also with a sense of optimism.

As a former campaign worker and political junkie, I am deeply troubled by this disintegration of cross-party dialogue. So, what to do about it? Perhaps the best place to start is just accepting that no one person can solve such a complex issue, and then perhaps turn to the specific things we can do. For me, that means trying to not get too overwhelmed by such a large, abstract problem, and, instead, looking for opportunities to make progress at the local, community level. Think global, act local. No, joining your neighborhood association, doing community service with a place of worship, or getting involved in an organization like AYLA is not going to solve all of the country’s divisions, but, by interacting with a diverse group of people—from different political perspectives—it may help bridge the divide.

So, as we reflect on what has been a uniquely challenging and stressful year, I hope we will emerge not only with some closure, but also with a sense of optimism. To be sure, although most of us are likely happy to leave 2020 behind, next year will certainly have its challenges, too. After all, a global pandemic doesn’t go away simply because the ball drops in Times Square, just as our political divisions are not healed simply by electing a new president. But there is reason to be optimistic. We’ve made it through a lot. And it’s a new year; a clean slate. So spend that time with your loved ones, open those presents, squeeze in a little bit of reflection about the deeper meaning of life, and then let’s start 2021 with open hearts and open minds. AL