Gratitude, Growth, and Grace: ESWA Winds Down 2025

I know a very wise woman who has a superpower - she can find something positive in everything. Her personal motto?  “What can I learn from this?”

Now, I try to borrow that mindset whenever I remember (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always). But when Covid hit and the world flipped upside down, that little question really came in handy. Because one big lesson that came out of those strange times was this: humans need connection - desperately, joyfully, and endlessly.

We learned to Zoom - literally and figuratively. Friends, families, colleagues, even grandparents became tech wizards overnight. The word “Zoom” stopped meaning “move quickly” and started meaning “where’s my camera button again?”

And ESWA? Oh, we joined right in! Fast-forward a few years and those tech skills have stuck. Our winter Zoom gatherings have become a delightful tradition, especially during the long, cold, British months of November through February.

Our November 2025 session was one for the books - a record-breaking 54 attendees joined in from the comfort of their homes across three different countries: England, Scotland and Nigeria! Not bad for a chilly evening, right?

The topic wasn’t the easiest - but it was important. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. might remind us, “The ultimate measure of an association is not where it stands in moments of comfort, but where it stands at times of challenge and controversy." 

And challenge we did! People spoke up, aired grievances, questioned views and behaviours. Even a few members who usually sit quietly in face-to-face meetings found their voice online.

A big round of applause goes to our wonderful ESWA President, Floxy Alozie, who chaired the session with grace, humour, and firmness (because let’s be honest, 54 people on Zoom can easily descend into glorious chaos). Order was kept, respect reigned, and everyone left feeling heard.

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to our next gathering in February 2026, maybe we can all take a page out of that wise woman’s book and ask ourselves: “What did I learn from this? And what am I going to change - in my perceptions, words, and behaviours - in the year ahead?”

Here’s to learning, growing, laughing, and connecting - both on and off Zoom.

Thank you, Lord, for kindness, love, and second chances.

Long live ESWA. Long live every one of us 💕💕