More than just talk

By Linda Jovanovich
HMA Executive Vice President

Over the past several months, as I have been cogitating (one of my fav words) on a theme for our 2021 National Conference & Expo, I’ve found that much has been written about the psychology of resilience. The information hit home for me, and I’m sharing it with you because it is spot-on!

Resilience is:

- “that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.” (Psychology Today)

- “In a nutshell, resilience can be defined as the ability – and tendency – to ‘bounce back.’ ‘Bouncing back’ is what we do when we face disappointment, defeat, and failure, but instead of wallowing or letting things keep us down, we get back up and continue on with our lives.” (positivepsychology.com)

If my 20+ years in this business have taught me anything, it’s that these wonderful words describe you, the hardwood industry, to a “T.” Just look in the mirror and you’ll see what I see - an industry that is ever resilient; an industry that when faced with adversity, rises from the mat, brushes itself off and jumps back into the game. That’s you. That’s the hardwood industry - the industry that I’m so honored to be a part of!

And so my dear ineffable colleagues, let’s celebrate our “Resilience” at HMA’s 2021 National Conference & Expo, March 24–26, at the Hyatt Regency, Austin, Texas. A hybrid event is in the works - live and virtual presentations, unique exhibit space, safe, socially distanced networking events, and much more! Visit HMAmembers.org for Registration information and Conference updates. And stay tuned to your inbox for additional details.

The upcoming holidays will have a different look this year. Nonetheless, I hope yours will be filled with love and laughter. And that 2021 will prove to be a ‘bounce back’ year of renewed hope and many happy and healthy tomorrows. Peace!