With 2020 coming to an end, I think we are all cheering its departure. Corona virus, a divisive election, riots, looting, deaths from the virus but also from suicide, overdoses and yes, even murder. Divorces increased and small businesses closed their doors for the last time. A stellar year it was not. Good riddance, 2020!
With 2021 peaking through the window, I wonder how much of the ugliness and sadness, hatred and corruption from 2020 will continue? If I let myself fall into the trap of “what if’s”, I would go crazy, to be quickly followed by depressed. So I made the decision recently to let it all go. Not an easy thing for a control freak like me. Things I worry about but cannot control I pray about, sometimes really, really hard. With a broken heart and tears in my eyes hard. How can a person live like this?
The key is to change your perspective. Bad things happen, all the time. Things that are beyond our human control, no matter how hard we try to make it otherwise. What we can always control is how we react to the bad stuff. (Reminder: “bad stuff” is how WE label things we don’t like. We also have control over how we label things.) Do I let these “bad” times take me down? Do I let them destroy me, or at the very least, ruin my day? Well, that’s where we have some control.
“This side of heaven” is our current world. We are here now and have to navigate our way through, until we are in that other place, that better place, that much, much better place. (I realize you may not all agree with me about the other place and that’s fine. No judgement here.)
How to change my perspective when all I see around me is ugly. Well, that’s just not true. All the good stuff is still there, you just can’t see it because you are focused on the bad. I don’t know where you live but there is a lot of beauty in the Pacific Northwest. I am a long time lover of trees and we have them everywhere you look. I frequently drive this one route linking my town with another where I have many activities. It is mostly just vast, green fields bordered by magnificent evergreens. So beautiful. It takes my breath away when I pay attention to it instead of rushing through.
Spending time with my Portland son and his family. Babysitting my two grandkids up here. Time with them takes all of the bad in this world and tosses it out the window. This is important, I say to myself. This is what makes my life good and full and rich.
Being creative around my home. Making small changes that produce big results. Feeling proud of myself for the courage to make the changes. Getting new ideas for hobbies (since I have ceased horseback riding). Being excited about the prospects.
Loving people. Starting with my husband. Putting in the effort to love him more. Loving others and helping others. A remarkable thing happened a week ago. I carry blankets in my car in case I run into any homeless people. It’s winter here and nights are in the low 30s. In a few weeks it will be even colder. I prayed that day that God would put someone in my path that I could serve. Long story short, I came across an older homeless couple (in their 70s!) . After chasing them down in my car (I was on a mission!) I finally caught up with them and asked if they could use some blankets. The man smiled at me and said ” We have been praying for some.” I gave them the two blankets left in my car. That small gesture filled my heart to overflowing. Answered prayer. Not something to get but something to give. It’s true what they say, giving is better than receiving.
These are things I have done to take my mind off 2020 and the worry about any foreseeable continuance of same. Focus on the beautiful that surrounds you, not the ugliness. Focus on the love in your life, not the hatred. Focus on giving to others, especially those who have greater needs. Focus on Him. The creator of all things good.
Yes, things have been pretty awful this year, and for some, devastatingly so. Search outside yourself to rediscover the good things. They do exist. You just have to look. And then, with a grateful heart, say thank you. God bless.
Right on, Sarah — helping others is a win-win and a sure way of feeling more positive — good for you! Our thrift shops (they are wonderful) here are filled with even more donations (lots of people are purging) for homeless shelter, domestic abuse shelters and our church, while only on-line, still has outreach ministries, not only food pantry, but meals for the homebound (of which I am a part — distance safety and all that — ) and even home delivery of communion upon request (wine included)!. Its so easy to get overwhelmed with the need and sadness we see out there. Health issues are hitting we seniors hard. I’ve been going through vascular issues and 2 more procedures might produce the answer. The fun never stops! How is Wendy and family?
Wendy and Lee are doing well. She has some kidney issues so she has to be really careful with the virus. So she’s pretty much home bound as well but other than that she’s healthy and doing well. You should email her. Wa71941@ aol.com.