Hope. Perseverance. Action. But Begin with Gratitude.

If you are reading this New Year blog, you might be looking for something along the lines of what KANAVA as a small business accomplished during 2021 and what we intend to accomplish in 2022 – how we plan to get back to “normal.” But given the experiences of the last two years, including the current COVID surge that impacts the world in complicated ways, especially for essential workers who are at increased risk of exposure, a typical blog is insufficient.

What I can express is gratitude. We are grateful for the health of our employees, families, and friends in the battle against COVID. We are thankful we could remain in the fight as a small business, due to the dedication and endurance of a talented staff, each one of whom has had to adapt to multilayered stresses. Thank you to Carol, Matthew, Evan, Andrea, and Nidia for all you have done this year to persevere through difficulties to satisfy the needs of clients and especially provide empowering support to local organizations.

Striving to “do good” is challenging work in the best of times and the pandemic made it more complicated. Fortunately, we embraced digital operations and IT security before the pandemic started so we could adapt to using our signature ISD® tool virtually, which provided the flexibility we needed to remain focused on our work.

As a small business, the news that 2021 was a record year in the growth of small businesses is heartening. Small business growth reflects the hard work and dreams of resilient individuals who are putting their hopes into action. Their perseverance is inspiring.

Now as we look forward to 2022, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who fought against apartheid, and Jane Goodall, who fights for the survival of nature (and us) during climate change, provide inspiration to those who persevere in their work for a better world:

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hope is often misunderstood [as] simply passive wishful thinking…real hope…requires action and engagement. Jane Goodall

Best Wishes for a Prosperous and Healthy New Year in 2022!

Susan M. Puska, President and CEO, KANAVA International LLC