Letter from the
As we all settle into a new year , it ’ s a fair assumption that most of us believe we as a state and a nation are not where we thought we ’ d be in 2022 .
I think it ’ s also safe to say many of us are not where we thought we ’ d be as individuals right now , but I ’ m not sure that ’ s necessarily a bad thing . I don ’ t think any of us have made it two years into a worldwide pandemic without becoming more flexible , opening up to new ways of thinking and learning how to recognize the silver linings . So , in honor of how far we ’ ve come , I ’ ve decided to table my bucket list and create my own list of silver linings instead . It ’ s been a tough two years , and if anything can help me start out 2022 on the right foot , it ’ s a positive outlook .
Kensie ’ s Silver Linings
1 . The shutdown in early 2020 allowed me to have an extended maternity leave with my newborn twin boys and more quality time with my daughter .
2 . The pandemic ’ s business challenges have taught me a new level of appreciation for our incredibly hardworking and resilient clients , contacts and employees .
3 . I only got stuck in virtual traffic a few times between meetings and never hit a pothole .
4 . I now value the time I spend with my friends and family more .
5 . I learned that all the friendships I ’ ve made in my 16- year publishing career are stable enough to transcend the challenges of the pandemic like virtual meetings , creative communication and unexpected quarantines .
6 . As Benjamin Franklin once said , “ Out of adversity comes opportunity .” We as a state have had the opportunity during the pandemic to introduce ourselves to a lot of new visitors , and we ’ ve watched as people — locals and guests — have learned to love the outdoors again .
The last few years will go down in the history books as a very tumultuous time for both individuals and the nation . Looking through the lens of optimism , instead of focusing on the pain of the last 24 months , we can use this as a lesson to overcome . As a small , rural , energy-producing state , we have seen more than our fair share of hard times , and this pandemic will likely not be the last challenge we face .
President John F . Kennedy once proclaimed , “ The sun does not always shine in West Virginia , but the people always do .” Let ’ s take what we ’ ve learned in these hard times , focus on the silver linings and propel our state — and our nation — forward into greatness . •
Kensie Hamilton Fauber Publisher
711 Indiana Avenue Charleston , WV 25302 T . 304.343.7551 F . 304.346.3350
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