What has 2020 taught you?

This year has been one to remember to say the least. When we look back over the year, we see things that have happened that we would never thought possible in a million years. For the country to go into lockdown, saying goodbye to loved ones over zoom, children being homeschooled for months, businesses shutting down, people being fined for not wearing masks, people being separated from loved ones. We can only pray that 2021 will be a much better year.

How have you coped? It has been a trying time for many, I know I have felt the tug of the year on my system.

I am not writing this to bring you down, I do have a positive side to this situation! Well, it is always better to look at your cup half full than half empty, and that is where I put my focus.

I have learned a few things this past year. I have learned throughout this entire ordeal is how strong a person can be when strength is all you have. I have been through some trials and sickness in my life; however, I will admit that this is the hardest trial I have ever faced, and I feel its because it continues and continues.

What else have I learned through this time? I have learned how strong love can be, how being separated from your husband, your best friend can feel. I have learned how we can take things for granted. There are nights that I feel lonely, but I am grateful that I have an amazing man who is dedicated and who is waiting for me. A man who I never thought would have entered my life. We did not expect that an hour distance would feel like a "long distance relationship" however here we are separated.

Flying 14 hours to see him, when I could drive one hour it felt surreal. Then upon returning, the drive to the border was so difficult, as we both knew the question within both of our hearts is when we will see each other again. As I walked across the border into Canada its was like a bad dream, it felt like things were moving in slow motion. I sit here and wonder when will I get to see him again? will it be months again? I hope not, one never knows.

Another thing that 2020 has taught me is that things can change, and they can change fast.

As you read this, I want to encourage you that life is precious as we all know, however we go about our busy lives and we do not take time to really focus on what is important, its like we co exist and go about each day, over and over. Take time to stop and reflect on what truly is important. If you have something in your life that is not right, fix it. If there is someone who you are angry with, forgive them, do this for you. If there is a dream that you carry within your heart, go for it. Live your life like there is no tomorrow. Make things better. Is this what 2020 has taught you? Think about it, in all that has happened, and in all the stress that this year has put upon us, what is the real importance of life… happiness. Make a promise to yourself that whatever it is that hurts or pulls at your heart that you deserve peace, really work on that for you. I strongly feel we are put on this earth for a reason, each and everyone of us, you are unique and there is no other you. Take pride in that and really take care of you.

Let’s go into 2021 with a focus of whatever it throws at us, have compassion for each other. This year we have seen so much tearing at each other, each one fighting about this virus. Is this what this world has really come to? We can make a difference, each and everyone of us. No one knows what the other is facing, so have compassion because we are all learning.

I wish you all the absolute best in 2021, lets all come together and make this world a better place.