Month 12 of 12 in the Year 2020
I’m sitting at my keyboard reflecting on the year 2020. We’ve made it to day 365. It’s been a whirlwind to say the least!
I am grateful to still be here. I’m grateful that we are here. Since Covid-19 touched down and sent our plane into a pandemic, this year has been a roller coaster. We’re still on this ride. Thankfully, there are vaccines being disseminated. For now, we know that wearing masks publicly, washing our hands, and keeping at least a 6 foot distance helps us from quickly spreading the virus. This was not what we expected at the beginning of this year, but it’s our current reality. We can remain hopeful that in 2021, there will be improvement in our current state of affairs.
I was looking through my planner as I reflected on the last 12 months and turned to January. The beginning of a new year comes with the potential for welcome and sometimes needed change. I noticed the notes I made to myself were to,
“Slow down and listen”
My schedule had been pretty packed. I was always on the go, but I realized that was becoming a problem. Moving full steam ahead, constantly was wearing me out. Being mentally and physically exhausted is not good for our spirit. I’d had a lesson or two prior to deciding I wanted to slow down and tune in to my heart and intuition. Within a couple months of that intention, we were forced to slow down. The world around us changed, literally requiring it.
How has this pandemic changed your life?
It will be a while before we find ourselves moving closer to a pre-Covid social society. I miss meeting up with friends and those I love, unmasked. I miss getting a massage every now and then. I also miss moving about and feeling free. There is a wondering and sometimes a lurking feeling about how safe it is to be out and about. Covid is invisible, yet destructive. Not everyone responds to it in the same manner, but it’s fatal for some. According to NPR there have been more than 82 million cases of Coronavirus worldwide. The highest number of cases reported thus far, are in the United States. As of December 30th, the most deaths have been recorded in the U.S. as well.
Despite the growing numbers, we have hope. Again, there are vaccines being produced and administered. Additionally, there are global citizens who take the risk seriously and help reduce the numbers. Not all are eager to be vaccinated, yet. Who knows if that will change. What we do know is that we are not beyond being in the midst of a pandemic.
We are weathering the storm. It is something new and unexpected. How are you currently feeling? What can be done to help improve your mood and sense of well being?
One strategy that has helped move through this year is to focus on the things that I can control. For example, I make time to participate in activities that I love including: creating art, making hot cocoa bombs, and this afternoon I created my first charcuterie board. There’s a picture of it below.
Using your time and energy to explore enjoyable activities directs your energy in the direction of joy. In the midst of the unknown, making time to live on purpose gives us the opportunity to retreat from the cycle of Covid-19… at least momentarily. Getting a dose of fresh air alo helps. Taking a walk (even in winter for those of us in the northern hemisphere) in nature also provides relief. According to research conducted by Harvard University, time outdoors can help alleviate mood disorders.
I pray that you are surrounded by supportive people during this time. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. I sincerely believe that we will get through this. May your new year remain full of possibilities and ways of being that bring you joy in the midst of a storm. Cheers to 2021 and all the hope that it brings!
Until next time,
