Thankfulness 2020

 A different thankful post tonight.....

NYE 2020. Last year we were preparing to head out to eat with friends and then ring in the new year playing games and enjoying the company of those friends. Tonight, we’ve got on our finest jammies and will bring in 2021 from the comfort of our recliners, just the two of us, because, well, 2020. 

I challenged myself on January 1 to complete one full year of Daily Calm Mindfulness practices in my Calm App. I was blessed many years ago, to be given a lifetime membership to Calm because I was a teacher and part of the Calm Classroom Initiative. I started my day, every day of 2020, with the mindfulness practice of The Daily Calm. How little I knew at the time, that this simple little practice of daily mindfulness would truly change my life. 

I’ve learned to stop stressing over things I have zero control over. I learned that if I can’t change things, I can change how I react to them. I learned that even the best of intentions can have disastrous outcomes. I’ve learned that I control what happens in MY life. I’ve learned that simply taking time for me, usually 10-12 minutes a day, and practicing mindfulness can change your whole life. I’ve learned that I’m completely happy in my quiet life, keeping my circle small, and not worrying so much about others’ lives. 

I’ve learned that social media is complete shit and that people will make themselves look far better here than they are in reality and that everyone is an expert on nothing. I’ve learned that once a habit is formed, it’s hard to break. I’ve learned that my thankful posts are posted, and will continue, as much for others as for myself. 

And despite the year forever known as the shitshow of 2020, it wasn’t horrible for me. I learned to cook. I learned I have all I need within the walls of my home. I learned I can be happy in my solitude. I learned self reliance. My relationship with my husband grew even tighter, if that’s even possible. My relationship with my true sister friends became more solid, as we helped each other through this year. My fortitude became stronger as I did my part to keep COVID away from my household. 

2020 taught me a lot. I do not look at the last 365 days as a bad year, personally. Hell, anything is better than 2019 was for me. Sure we suffered loss, again, but we also strengthened family bonds, and for that I will forever be thankful to 2020. 

When you are thankful for all you have, you have all you really need. 

I wish you a 2021 filled with your own awakenings, transformations, enlightenment, and love.....always love. ❤️

And tonight, THAT is what I am thankful for.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. STAY HOME!

It's been a while since I last blogged. Honestly, the creative juices have not been flowing so freely this last month or so. Considering the state of the world right now, I felt as though writing might be something that would help my current state of mind. 

My routine has been shaken up as a result of COVID-19, much like a lot of you I would assume. Being in a state of limbo with regards to what work is going to look like, whether those I love are taking this seriously and staying safe, how long is this going to last.....among a lot of other thoughts racing through my head....this all really stinks. But one thing I know for sure is that together we will get through all this as long as we stay safe, stay healthy, and STAY HOME!

I decided to take a break from Facebook for the Lenten season. I still post my nightly thankful posts (and thank GOD I do, because that is helping to keep me sane throughout all of this - I haven't left my house except to walk the dogs around town once or twice a day) and I occasionally post from Instagram (mainly for birthdays I feel need recognition - parents, nieces, etc). I haven't truly scrolled through Facebook in a long period of time. I'm learning how freeing it is to NOT be so reliant on social media and the misinformation that spreads rampant on those platforms. Reflecting on my time away (isn't that what Lent is all about - reflection?), I am not so sure I will ever go back to the Facebook activity that I once had.

This time in our lives is definitely a challenging one. No one truly knows what to expect and the unknowns are quite scary (at least I think they are). I'm a bit of a loner, truth be told. I'm ok being here in my house with just my dogs and my husband, but I do miss being with my extended family. I miss the occasional interaction with acquaintances I'd see at the grocery store or post office. I miss seeing my work friends. I miss my best friend. I do miss life as I knew it prior to COVID-19 coming around. I'm sure we all do.

I can't tell you what to do. I can't tell you how to feel. But I can ask you to stay safe, stay healthy, and STAY HOME.  For your sake and for mine....STAY HOME.