Thanksgiving has passed and I find myself limping to the end of this dreadful year. I'd rather cross the finish line at a clip, heart pounding with anticipation for 2021, but I can't shake my lack of levity. With a vaccine on the horizon, the election drama waning and the tidal wave of increased attention to justice, I have hope. But my spirit is dampened with pandemic exhaustion, grief over so many lost, worry for my loved ones and for those wonderful people on the front lines, concerns about work challenges, sadness about hostilities between Americans. I can't seem to access the energy this wonderful time of year usually provides.
We put up the Christmas decorations this weekend. It all looked fairly pretty and brought about warm, fuzzy memories. With a desire to brighten the mood further, I ran off to the hardware store for additional twinkle lights. Mind you, we already had a giant tub's worth up and sparkling. This year there just isn't enough light.
Most certainly, looking to the light provides peace as this troubled year comes to an end. It doesn't exist without darkness so finding an appreciation for the contrast is tangible and oddly calming. Looking to others for inspiration helps too. When we lose our spark it can often be rekindled by others, as well as by music, art, literature. Shining a light on our self-care is another way to cope. Getting good rest, moving our bodies, and eating well, is important. I don't know about you but I am challenged to do any of these things when I feel low so I am thankful for professional help.
Perhaps one of the best ways to walk through these last weeks of 2020 is to hold this past year in our hearts with honor and reverence, remembering that while it has been challenging for all, it has been tragic for many. It may not be the year for me personally to celebrate in my usual ways and that is ok. I plan not to judge others for their holiday expressions or lack of them, either. Maybe it's a time to embrace simplicity and just be. Walking slowly, over the finish line, heart in hand, with honor and gratitude is not such a bad way to start 2021.
"All the great things are simple and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." - Winston Churchill
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