LET’S GET HAPPY AND THANKFUL

In my last blog post, I talked about all the things I wish I had done differently in 2019 in preparation for 2020. This time around, I will humble myself for the joy that 2020 brought me.

Nothing is ever all bad or all good. 2020 was the year of challenges, but it also brought some laughs and joy.

 

First, and closest to my heart—my mother, who proudly claims the title of a senior citizen is well and healthy. I see her smile and hear her laugh, and that alone makes my heart sing. But wait, there’s more.

Even with the pandemic imposed visit restrictions, I spent more time with my sister and mother. Quality time, where we laughed, talked, ate good food, and told stories. Sometimes, calling twice a day to share something we’d forgotten. They live in a different state, so this was no small accomplishment that I was blessed to have. Thanks to Zoom, I’ve seen more family this year than most. Get-togethers on Zoom also allowed me to visit my sister-writers, board members, and teams.

My husband and I have been in the house together for ten full months. Except for a trip to the grocery store or the hardware store or an odd visit with loved ones, it’s been the two of us—day and night. And as far as I can tell, he hasn’t wanted to strangle me, nor I, him. We’ve binged watched movies and series and shared memories. But most of all we’ve laughed together. We’ve found a closeness that has only deepened our marriage and added a new layer of warmth.

Coronavirus is surging again, so we’ve gone back into lockdown, but I’m talking to my family more, and these conversations warm my soul. Even my children—who are busy with their own daily lives, check in with me more often.

Being stuck inside made me happy and thankful I have space where I can relax, and read and write and eat cookies, and watch movies, and eat cookies and listen to music and eat cookies.

Yes, I’ve eaten my share of cookies. 2020 has been a rough year, full of bad news. But there were some glimmers of light. The country elected its first female vice president. Kamala Harris is a woman of color and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., the first African American Sorority in the country and my sorority. We also now have two Coronavirus vaccines that might save the world from the ravages of the pandemic and let us return to some kind of normalcy.

Yes, 2020 was rough. I just had to look for some good in the year.

Happy New Year! Let’s Hope 2021 is Better.

YEAR-END RECOLLECTION

At the end of every year, I get anxious and reflective. I look back over the last twelve months and judge how well I’ve accomplished the things that were important to me, how well I’ve treated the people in my life and how well I’ve taken care of myself. No matter how broad my shoulders or how big the “S” is that I think I wear on my chest, that’s a lot of stuff.

 

 

 

Some years, I’m happier with my analysis than others. When I look back at 2018, I’m content with how I handled myself this year. Of course, I could have done some things better and a few items died. I couldn’t resurrect them with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But 2018 had its successes too. I celebrated another wedding anniversary, which was a joy. I signed a publishing contract for a book it took me over a year to write and I self-published two romantic suspense’s novels which were a new venture for me.

 

As I prepare for 2019, I’m anxious — wondering if I’m doing enough to make myself a better person, to accomplish more. I want to take another step. What can I do better? How can I continue to grow? This year has taught me, that I underestimate how much I can accomplish in 24 hours. In my busy schedule of checking off my to-do list, life gets hectic and can take on a momentum I hadn’t planned. I need to allow time for when things may go amiss and, I need to allow time to cherish what I have and all that I’ve received.

But I’ve learned not to stress out too much about the things I don’t get to check off as having completed. It’s part of the journey. I’ve also learned that the time I spend with family and friends brings me the most joy. When I’m with people who love me, there is no judgment, no reviews to worry about and no cues I have to hit. I need to put more visits like that on my list.
As we close out another year, I wish you and yours peace and happiness.

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HELLO 2016

I’m one of those people who makes lists, set goals and likes challenges. Of course I make resolutions. For 2016 here they are. Goals for 2016How about you? Do you have any resolutions for 2016?