In a couple of days, 2020 will be over. As humans, we are funny creatures! So many of us, including myself, say, “I can’t wait for 2020 to be over.”
“These are not beautiful times but they are our times.” ~ Jean Paul Sartre
The turbulent waters we have been living in will still be present in 2021. The global pandemic, political divisions, racial tensions, social injustice and economic uncertainty are not going to disappear when the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve. Imagine though, that each of us is travelling in our own boat on these turbulent waters. What we think, what we say and what we do impacts us and others, as we move forward in ‘our times’.
I can feel overwhelmed by everything.
Sometimes, I feel sad and weary. Other times, angry and resigned. When I allow myself to feel these emotions, they usually shift. It’s like tending to a garden. I must do my tending. If I don’t, the weeds of my fearful thinking can take over.
As the clock strikes 12 at midnight on New Year’s Eve, the calendar will turn to 1/1/21.
We will move into a new year, a new month, a new day. For me, life seems to work better when I break it down into bite-size pieces. Renowned author and inspirational speaker, Dale Carnegie, recommended that we “live in day-tight compartments”. One of the most powerful concepts of 12-step programs is to live “one day at a time”.
When, we practice living “one day at a time”, we don’t spend as much energy worrying about the future nor do we waste precious life, living in the past. Many people have commented on this disciplined way of thinking. Here are a few of those inspirational thoughts:
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift
Which is why we call it a present.
~ Bill Keane
Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow has not yet come.
We have only today.
Let us begin.
~ Mother Theresa
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
Let us move forward with strong and active faith.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
May you live in day-tight compartments as you enter 2021, enjoying the gifts of each day.
My New Year’s resolution is to make only one resolution!
For 2021, I will use a Gratitude Journal. Every night, I will reflect on my day and write down five things that I am grateful for. I’ve done this in the past and it is a wonderful way to end each day. It made good days even better and difficult days not so hard. Author Melody Beattie said, “Gratitude make sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Here is my entry for last night:
Thank you! I am grateful for…
- Helping people hear the best they can
- My Mom being able to get onto Zoom for a family gathering
- Prime rib roast leftovers for dinner
- The rain
- The sweet connection I had with the cashier at the grocery store
Will you make a New Year’s resolution in 2021?
If so, what will it be? They say that if you share it and say it out loud, you are more than likely to follow through with this change. Be sure to tell someone. I’d love to hear your resolutions.
If you are not hearing as well as you would like, maybe your New Year’s resolution should be to make an appointment at Avalon so that we could help you and your hearing!
Stay healthy and make the best of every day in 2021, one day at a time! And please know that I am grateful for you!
Yours for CONNECTED Hearing & Living,
Betty Vosters Kemp