A tornado, a pandemic, and baseball-size hail? 

When we started planning this issue in January, we had no idea jobs would be lost, businesses would shut down, and mother nature would let us know yet again how powerless we are. 

At a local level, we have become stronger, and at a global level, we have become smarter. Businesses are learning how to become more digital. Families are learning how to homeschool. Friends are learning how to stay connected while being apart. Health care systems are learning how to be more efficient. Education is learning how to teach outside of the classroom. And oh my word, I believe we’ve all learned something new about insurance.

Change is good

When I’m asked how I’m doing through all of this, I honestly can’t complain. Yes, we’ve lost money, and that is stressful — we are all experiencing our own demons. Still, it’s hard to be upset when you think about all the positives coming from this time. How beautiful has it been to slow down and spend time doing the things you always put on the back burner, yet really wanted to do? How incredible is it to see how entrepreneurs are innovating new ways to serve the world? How wonderful is it that we’ve not only had time to take care of ourselves, but also realized just how important our health truly is?

There is certainty in the uncertainty: change, learning, and growth. 

My question is, will we revert back to our old ways once our stay-at-home orders have lifted? Will we go back to jam-packed calendars, unnecessary meetings, the proverbial rat-race? Or, will we continue to make time to take a walk outside, call someone we miss, or make dinner at home? My hope is that slowing down does become the new normal. 

Trust me. I love being out in the community and meeting new people, but does it come at a cost? And is that cost — my personal and family time — worth it? 

Gratitude

I want to thank our partners in advertising who have stuck with us through thick and thin. You all have been with us through an ownership change, a tornado, and now a pandemic. From one small business owner to another, thank you. You know how much your clients mean to you, and that’s how much you mean to us. 

To our readers, thank you for picking up the magazine and settling in to flip through the pages. You are also why our small business exists. Our partners in advertising are counting on you for your calls, orders, and visits (once we can visit, of course). Even through this unique time, Jefferson City Magazine will stay true to our mission: Investing in our community and our partnerships to help develop successful people and a great place to be at home, at work, and at ease. We are a lifestyle magazine at our core. We are a place to escape to and a source for thought-provoking content. We share the good in people and businesses, and it is our plan to continue to do so. We truly hope you enjoy your time with us.

To our photographers, writers, and editors: Your talent, words, and vision are everything to this publication. We don’t say it enough, so while I’m at it, thank you for your contributions. Your photos move us; your words make us cry; your skills make us look good. You tell the story, and we value you on our team. 

Last, but not least

Lastly, to those of you who read this and thought, “I haven’t been at home, slowing down, or spending more time with my family” — you, our essential workers and the front line, deserve all the credit. We couldn’t do it without you. We see you, and we know you deserve more than you are receiving. We thank you.

Cheers to positive change,

Missy Creed McFerron, Publisher