Dear NAPO members,

As I look back over the past two months and think about the disappointments, inconveniences, and uncertainties we have all experienced, I have to focus on the positive impact we’ve also felt from being able to connect virtually with our families, friends, colleagues, and clients. Although it’s a new way to connect, in many aspects, we are connecting more than we ever have.

Zoom, Facetime, and WebEx have been available to us for some time. Now we are not only using them to connect with those we can’t see, hug, meet with, or celebrate with, we are connecting regularly with those whom we may have seldom seen or spoken with. While we are somewhat accustomed to meeting and learning virtually, we are experiencing new reasons for connecting – holiday celebrations, religious services, weddings, funerals, happy hours, and more. In an odd way, we’ve increased our circle of connections, simply by re-connecting.

For me, I’ve recognized the value of my relationships and connections, and I know whom I want or need in my life, and whom I want to spend time with; I have choices. I guess it often takes something like a pandemic for all of us to step back and re-focus on what matters to us.

Ironically and appropriately, the theme for NAPO’s 2021 Conference is connections–meaningful, intentional, and lasting. Let’s all continue building our connections now so that when we re-surface in Long Beach, our relationships will be stronger and more powerful than ever!

Please stay healthy.

Warm regards,

Susie Hayman, NAPO President