I am hearing a lot of talk about kicking 2020 to the curb for obvious reasons. We want to be done with the hardship, loneliness, isolation and tragic loss that the pandemic has created. That makes sense. Avoid pain. Seek pleasure. It's primal. However, "done" is relative and comes a little gradually. The pandemic year (2020) will still be felt in 2021, even as I call 2021 "the year of the vaccine."
It won't take much for a lot of us to see 2021 as being "better" than 2020. We will be coming out of these modern day "dark ages." However, by dwelling on getting "this" over with robs us from living in "this moment" which is what being mindful and non judgmental is all about. Being mindful means we don't dwell on the past. Other years had vacations and parties and travel. This year had couches and Netflix and masks. BOO. We also don't rush to anticipate the future which is not here yet. As soon as I get the vaccine, I'm good to go. YEAH! Wait a second--it's not a switch that gets flipped. This is a process. Just like your long healthy life is a process not an event.
This year, like all years prior, I sent out Christmas cards. This year, however, I asked people on Instagram if they wanted a card from me. Some people said yes, and I happily sent them a card. How old fashioned to get a card in the mail if you aren't used to it. This year gave time and space for that to happen. I saved those addresses of people I normally don't send to, and guess what--they are getting a card again next year. Connection--look how much we crave it.
With Christmas a few days away, I am encountering a lot of long faces and booing and hooing. Yet, this is what it IS. This holiday season cannot be anything other than what it is. The same way YOU cannot be anyone other than who you are. With that in mind, pause a moment and look at what you do have. If it's your health, you WIN. If it's a family of origin or choice, you WIN. If it's a beloved pet, you WIN. If it's comfort and security in your home, you WIN. If it's a dream in your heart for others who have less, you WIN. If it's gratitude for the moment, you WIN. If it's a deep breath landing over your heart as your heart smiles back at you, you WIN. If you notice these things, you WIN. That's what this season IS.
Thanks, Karen! Once again, you inspire--so that is a WIN, for sure! Now I get to copy some of your words to go on and inspire others by reading them at our family Christmas gathering. Good words, such as this, are spoken clearly, even from a distance and through a mask!
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