So much of the past year (March 2020-March 2021), and even periods of my life before, have felt like illustration #1: I’m running in circles loosing my mind and sense of perspective.
Reality IS illustration #2: I may be running in circles, but I am NOT in the same place.
Each lap teaches me something new.
Each lap forces me to TRY a new approach.
Each lap I get a little bit stronger: mentally, physically, or spiritually.
If you feel like you’ve been running in circles this is for you: Yes! you may,in-fact, BE running in circles. Running in circles doesn’t always mean your staying in the same place.
A few things that bring me joy and gratitude this morning: Christmas Tree at Sunrise.Vanilla Carmel coffee.Morning breathing exercise. Three new ornaments for my tree, made with love by my sister @judnickhalley, and the Russian Tea Cake Cookies sent by mom (all arrived in a box of thoughtful gifts last night).
Handmade Felt Ornaments (family tradition)
I won’t lie. I’ve been on the “Struggle Bus” since mid-October. I’m not discounting moments of joy and peace. I hold them close to my heart to keep me moving forward.
Warm Gifts from family
This has been a very tough year.
My husband’s work is in shutdown (unemployment) for the second time this year. 15 is struggling to keep up with school, participate in clubs, and (sigh) learning to drive. All with social distancing that means only video chats with friends.
My job in Home Health Care has been extremely stressful due to COVID regulations and trying to get 60+ Caregivers on-board with weekly testing (semi-successful) and wearing PPE (slightly more successful). Then add in those who get sick (COVID or just the common cold, stomach bug), those that have small children and are struggling with childcare, school-age children stuck in home learning (because God-forbid ALL towns run on the same plan or schedule), and just everyday catastrophe: car accidents, a slip & fall, a health concern that takes a bad turn… you get the picture.
Then there are our vulnerable clients, constantly worried whether having the help they need is going to cause their demise! It’s not a small concern, for most of our clients, their contact with the outside world comes in the form of our non-medical home caregivers, nurses,and physical therapists. Any number of persons or companies they rely on for their quality of life.
This is STRESSFUL.
I want to do better at LETTING GO of things I can’t control. I am having a hard time with this concept, which feels like it’s in direct conflict with the seriousness of my job.
If you have a stressful job and have been successful at doing your daily best and letting the rest go,I desperately need to HEAR from YOU!!!
I know this year has been a challenge and a trial for all of us. COVID-19, Politics, Protests, communities (friends and family) being torn apart by differences in opinion and beliefs… 2020 has been a rough road all the way.
Wherever you are, in the USA or abroad, I pray for you. I send healing and love to sooth our tired souls and weary hearts. I send thoughts of healing and peace, gratitude and love. May these “vibes,” “thought,” and “prayers” find you in your struggle and give you strength to keep up the good fight: loving yourself and others, supporting your community in healing, sharing the grief of loss and hope for better times ahead.
That said, I turn my thoughts to Thankfulness, for it is in gratitude that I find my strengths keep going ❤️.
Things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving 2020:
My family ❤️
A warm home
My little family of 3
All the Thanksgiving Greetings received from friends and family
Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner with my daughter & enjoying being part of some of her “Firsts” First Pie (pumpkin) made by herself. First Apple Crisp (made w/no help from me). First time making her Great-Grandmother’s Mac & Cheese. First time prepping and seasoning a Turkey.
Quiet homemade Thanksgiving dinner at home, just us ❤️
Our health
A fun day staying home and enjoying each other’s company
Zoom call with my family: brothers, sisters, mom, nieces & nephews… all living far away from us, and still joining together to share the holiday.
Watching Christmas Chronicles: Part 2 (we loved #1)
Feeling creative again and relaxed enough on doodle.
Feeling some peace for the first time since March.
My doodles
Wow! The world may be CRAZY in 2020, but there are still pockets of JOY to be found!
Empowerment.Vitality.Evolution. 