The world slowed down
Probably for too long.
But while we were still,
Back down to basics,
We found presence
Amidst the panic.

Moments compelled reflection
Inspired astonishment
In it while observing it
So deeply in my feelings
While also somehow
Outside my body.

The leaves slowly grew in
At times fought hard to stay
Coming down attached
And the rest fell away
As the darkness arrives
Earlier each day.

Harvests are done.
Nature rests.
Our ramp back up
Slows back down.
For a twinkle or two
Welcoming some magic.

Familiar faces and voices
With new dreams.
Companies leveling up.
Students sent off
From stability
Into uncertainty.

Culmination of years
Of wisdom and proof
Birthed the blueprint
Intent on good guys (and gals)
Owning light and darkness
To inspire ripples.

Keeping the trinity
Of health paramount.
Balancing these boundaries
For me, for you.
All the coping strategies
Some days, not enough.

We made it so far,
Well, not everyone.
All of us mourning
Some more than others.
Is it real or ambiguous?
Compassion is in fashion.

Thanks for the hindsight, 2020,
And to all who have been on this journey
Through life, work, parenting,
Making the world a better place,
Making tomorrow a better time,
And finding peace within.

Karen Huller is the creator of the Corporate Consciousness Ripple Blueprint and author of Laser-sharp Career Focus: Pinpoint your Purpose and Passion in 30 Days. She founded Epic Careering, a leadership and career development firm specializing in executive branding and conscious culture, in 2006. 

While the bulk of her 20 years of professional experience has been within the recruiting and employment industry, her publications, presentations, and coaching also draw from experience in personal development, performance, broadcasting, marketing, and sales. Her solutions incorporate breakthroughs in neuroscience, human performance optimization, bioenergetics, and psychology to help leaders accelerate rapport, expand influence, and elevate engagement and productivity while also looking out for the sustainability of the business and the planet.

Mrs. Huller was one of the first LinkedIn trainers and is known widely for her ability to identify and develop new trends. She is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer, Certified Career Transition Consultant, and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with a Bachelor of Art in Communication Studies and Theater from Ursinus College and a minor in Creative Writing. Her blog was recognized as a top 100 career blog worldwide by Feedspot. 

She was an Adjunct Professor in Cabrini University’s Communications Department and an Adjunct Professor of Career Management and Professional Development at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business  She is an Instructor for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) where some of her students won the 2018 national YEA competition, were named Ernst & Young’s America’s Next Top Young Entrepreneurs, and won the 2019 People’s Choice Award. 

She is board secretary for the Upper Merion Community Center and just finished serving as Vice President of the Gulph Elementary PTC, for which she received recognition as a Public Education Partner and Promoter from the Upper Merion Area Education Association. She lives in King of Prussia with her husband, two daughters, and many pets, furry, feathered, and scaly.