Another year is coming to a quick end. I can’t honestly say it’s been the best of years as we’ve faced a global pandemic that pretty much changed life as we know it, but all in all, there’s been a lot to be grateful for, too, and I’d rather focus on that than dwell on the bad stuff. That said, we all have to acknowledge the losses so many people have faced, be it the loss of loved ones who died alone, or businesses that have fallen prey to closure or failure that had nothing to do with anything other than fate and the state of our world just now. Those losses are tragic and will have effects on many that will never really leave them no matter what changes lie ahead of us in the coming year.
COVID-19 had affected everyone on the planet in one way or another. If you’ve been one of the fortunate ones who hasn’t had a direct impact, take a moment to be grateful that you’ve escaped what has scarred and scared so many humans on this earth. The dedication to science and survival has given us vaccines that may slow this nightmare down and get it under control so we can live our lives again without fear guiding each decision we make from day to day. I hope so. The divisiveness that has been a worse plague on humanity in recent times is probably a bigger and more lethal disease than any virus, so I hope as we look ahead that people discover we are stronger as a whole than we will ever be divided. Or, as our Prime Minister is known to say, it’s our diversity that makes us stronger, as a country, and as a people. Not his exact words, of course, but my interpretation of them.
Many of you know me simply as an author who no longer writes or publishes. I miss it, more than I realized until recently. I’ve tinkered here and there with the idea of attempting to create again, but it’s been a frustrating effort on a good day. I may never find a way to make the words work the way they used to, and most days that’s all right. But I won’t ever say I don’t miss it, because I really do. Writing and creating stories held my sanity together through many years of depression and sadness. My mental health is now better than it’s ever been, as well as my physical health, but there is an empty well that can’t seem to fill with the absence or words and worlds.
I’m facing a lot of change and challenge in my emotional well-being these days, and I hope I can continue to deal with what life brings to me in a way that retains positivity and hope. Nothing ever turns out quite the way we anticipate; that lesson visits on a regular basis whether you want it or not, but that’s the way most things in life teach. I accept myself much more easily than I once did, flaws and strengths equally. Where I used to see only the clouds, I now attempt to find the silver linings. Most days it works. Some days it doesn’t.
Whatever your hopes and dreams are for this brave new year, I wish you courage, determination, and resilience to achieve what you need to be at peace with yourself and your life. Remember to be as kind to yourself as you would to the people you love, it’s not as easy, but every bit as essential to your soul. Be well. Be happy. And be safe. In all your endeavours. For the most part, we are all a lot more loved than we ever realize. When the shadows gather in your heart, and you can’t find the light, never hesitate to ask someone else to help you find it. You’d be surprised how bright your world suddenly becomes. I refuse to give up on people because I know we’re mostly decent, just occasionally victims of our own fears, real and/or imagined in some cases. Whatever your faith is, wherever you draw your strength, I hope it is always within your reach as we move forward to face whatever is ahead of us.
Cheers and Blessings to all ~ D
