Shattering the Glass Ceiling

 2020 was a bizarre year in many ways. The pandemic, so many lives lost and continue to be lost. Vaccine in place in record time. Most of 2021 will be spent dealing with it. We will get through this and be stronger for it. The US election dominated the airwaves when talk shifted from the pandemic. From the Dumpster Fire Orange Menace circling the drain, trying to convince everyone that the election was rigged to Joe Biden and the Democrats winning. Kamala Harris the first women VP and African-Indian VP. 

The glass ceiling shattered on many levels this past year. No level more evident than in sports. Starting in January Canada’s Christine scored her 185 international soccer goal. More than any other person playing the game. Kim Ng being the first General Manager of a North American professional sports team. Becky Harmon the first female to coach in an NBA regular season game. Stephanie Frappert the first female to referee a Champions League Men’s soccer match. Jerome Boger led the first all African American NFL crew. 

Politics elected the first transgender Senator Sarah McBride. Chris Nikic became the first person with Downs Syndrome to complete a Triathlon. Naomi Osaka captured the US Women’s Tennis Open raising awareness for racial injustice with her masks. 

Tremendous accomplishments by all and yet why in this day and age of advancement and equality are we still talking about firsts. As a member of the only class (white males) to not experience any marginalization I am acutely aware of my place in the class. I have been working hard at not letting my privilege show. I am sorry to say it is hard to do. Society is skewed toward white privilege. 

I make a conscious effort to be kind, treat people with respect and lead by example. Do I slip up yes. Do I say or do the wrong things yes. However, more times than not I am aware of my environment and check what I say or do. I am kept in check by my wife, my counsellor, my support network, my stepchildren  and most importantly my 4 year old grandson. You have all been a great source of comfort and support. You keep my anger at bay, my mental health in check. One of the hardest things to overcome is lying down trying to sleep and my anxiety kicks in and my mind races all over the place preventing sleep from occurring.

You know my triggers and signs so that I don’t go down that rabbit hole. 

I came close several times. Twice I said I want to check out. Once I had a plan. Thankfully these thoughts and emotions didn’t last long. My mantra for 2020 was to be kind. I think I succeeded more days than not with this. 

My mantra for 2021 is to not create drama in my life. Happy New Year everyone.