2020 - an exhausting year

What a year for all of us! We have all gone through a lot of changes and challenges. There is the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", but as we approach the end of 2020 the irony of this saying really strikes home with some of us. I have had a lot of challenges this year, from losing my job because of COVID-19, to almost losing my husband to a heart attack, to losing time with my family and friends because of the pandemic. Am I stronger because of all of this? Personally, I am not sure. I think when presented with these challenges, we learn how to survive and cope. We as people want to succeed, be happy and joyous, and when we are faced with situations which challenge us...we tend to ignite our "fight syndrome"...to survive. So, what does this mean? We need to listen to our emotions, they tell us how far we are from where our inner being is at a specific moment. We were all born to be happy, to have fun. As we grow up, we are influenced by our parents, siblings, friends and society. There is a mantra that I follow..."A belief is just a thought you keep thinking". If you continue to think about something, eventually you will begin to believe it (negative or positive). Doesn't it make sense to always think about good things so they come to you? Of course! Is it realistic? It should be...but as human beings...it isn't. Though, I truly believe we should focus on positive thoughts and feelings.

How does all of this go together? If I didn't search for something positive, I would have broken down, become very depressed and given up hope. I wouldn't have been there for my husband when he needed me. You can say GOD works in mysterious ways, and I believe that...but so do we. I truly believe that being laid-off/losing my job allowed me to be there when I needed to be for my husband. Now that I have fulfilled that need, I was able to find a job and fulfill my need. Coincidence or Fate?

The same goes with how we deal with the pandemic, the election results, or whatever challenge is being presented to us. It is so easy to get caught up in all the conversations, views, and feelings. It can be very overwhelming...I know, I had to tune out a lot over the last several months. I felt myself getting caught up in others opinions, feelings, and beliefs. Whether it was on the news, social media or even in conversations. My beliefs were changing and not for the better. I had to stop listening and look for positive aspects of my life to get me aligned with who I truly am.

This is my favorite time of year. I grew up loving the magic of Christmas and all the love that surrounds the season. This year it's different. This year it is harder to find the magic. This year it is challenging. To be honest with you...I am struggling. I need to find a way to find gratitude every day. Maybe this challenge is suggesting that I journal. For those who know me....I am not a good at journaling. That is what I believe...a thought that I continue to think. Hmm...I think I get it. Regardless, I continue to focus on positive aspects no matter how insignificant they may seem. The thing about doing this is when you focus on positive things, it only brings you positive things in return. It's a win-win process.

As we end an exhausting 2020, my hope for you is to find what you are grateful for and look for positive things in your life, no matter how big or small. If we ever need hope, this is the year and time for it. Remember, we are all going through this in our own way...and we are struggling in our own way. But, that doesn't mean we can't be hopeful, positive and grateful. One thing that may help, is to reach out to friends and family that you have lost contact with during this year. Your call or text or email or message will make their day and show that you care. It is also a positive that you can feel grateful for doing and it will most definitely brighten their day and yours.

Now that the end of this year is near, I want to tell you all just how much you mean to me. Your friendship and support mean the world to me. We can get through this...together.

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

God Bless,

Debbie