A year ago this week, we had to shut down our business and we had to cancel the ill-fated "Lash Cruise". It was a tough week. On the news, we were being told we just needed to stay home for two weeks to help "flatten the curve". I had a sinking feeling two weeks would not be enough. We ended up being closed for more months in 2020 than we were open. That all said, looking back I have to say I'm so thankful for the shutdown. Yes, money got tight and there was a lot of fear about what was going to happen. But one of the real blessings of 2020 was I got to slow down for the first time in my life. While at home I worked maybe for 6 hours and the rest of the time I hung out with my kids and amazing wife. It was a wonderful time to connect, make dinner together and watch shows and play games. Since life has begun to get back to normal, I have decided to keep my relationships a high priority. I don't want to go back to the 80 hour work weeks. I don't want to wait 5 years to call an old friend from college. I don't want to resent hanging out with my family because I have "work" to do. Yes, there will be a week here and there where I will need to work more, but I don't want to look back at 2021 and see a wasteland where all I did was work. I want to invest in the people in my life that matter most. In this episode, I share some of my thoughts on this Covid year anniversary and encourage you to take some time to enjoy your life and the ones you love the most. ANNOUNCEMENTS:WIN $200 AMAZON GIFT CARDWe need your help us get the word out for our podcast and a great way to do that is by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts. Please leave one today, take a screenshot of it and email it to [email protected] or post it on IG and tag us @lashcastpodcast. At the end of every month, we'll throw all the names in a hat and pick a winner. Thank you so much for your support!JOIN OUR LASHCAST INSIDER CLUB:Join the coolest club in the lash industry. You'll get discount codes to our webinars, trainings, LashCon, and our upcoming coaching program. https://mailchi.mp/lashcastpodcast.com/signupWANT TO BE ON OUR PODCAST?If you have a story or something (like lash or business tips) you'd like to share with our industry please email us at [email protected]. We are always looking for interesting stories and if you have one, please email us. THE LASHCONFERENCE 2021 (AKA LASHCON) TICKET SALES ARE COMING!Save November 6-8, 2021. We plan to sell tickets in the Spring!BUY YOUR 2021 LASHCONFERENCE T-SHIRT:http://bit.ly/3pylzIfLINK TO APPLY TO BE A SPEAKER AT THE LASHCONFERENCE 2021https://forms.gle/TjthxSqCGEytqyyD9IG: @[email protected]: www.facebook.com/groups/lashcastpodcast/Contact Paul Luebbers: [email protected]