In with the new

Every year on New Year’s Eve, I write in my journal. I highlight events of the year with any travels we’d done, muse about a few resolutions, list the books read during the year and asterisk my favorites, and optimistically declare that the new year will be the best ever.

How does one sum up 2020? 

Yep. That about says it all, right? 

We all know the downsides to this past year. We’ve grumbled and complained, wore our masks, washed our hands, social distanced, stayed home, binge watched Netflix, worked on jigsaw puzzles, tried a few new recipes, and on and on. Our hair grew longer and grayer.  We lamented all the events and  gatherings we missed. We were introduced to Zoom. We ordered groceries online and Amazon thrived. My orders alone could send several kids to college.

I think the upside was.....well, never mind, I actually can’t think of any.

But aside from our indignant grumbles about the limitations Covid-19 placed on us during the past year, we have to admit they were petty if we were home safely, employed or had a steady income, had food and were well. The countless number of our world’s neighbors who lost both jobs and homes, lost loved ones, were hospitalized on ventilators and wondered if they would see another day, leave alone a new year, make others of us realize our inconveniences were small. 

But still, no matter our circumstances, the year wasn’t kind. So we say, goodbye, 2020 and good riddance.

So what will the new year bring? The start of another year is actually just another day, but turning the page on one year to the next always brings the fresh renewal of hope. 

At the risk of dating myself, do you remember the Magic Slate? You could scribble on it and make a mess but then lift the plastic and voila! the page was clean again. I remember taking out my frustration or maybe my anger and scribbling and pounding really hard on it, taking a deep breath, lifting the plastic, and it would all magically disappear. I could get on with the next thing. Ah, the drama of childhood.

I hope 2021 is like a Magic Slate for you. Lift the plastic and start a new slate. One that brings you renewed hope, gives you reason to feel optimistic, dream big, smile more, and care for your neighbor. Please, whatever you do, follow guidelines to stay safe and healthy.

2020–the year of the mask!


Thank you for reading my random thoughts. If you choose to be a follower, I’d be thrilled.