Many people have something to say on New Year’s Eve…but what about the day before the day? Thought I’d try something new. Not a recap of the year because I’ve seen a lot of those and want to be different. Although I must confess that I’ve truly enjoyed the best of the best amusing recaps. :-)
 
Who does this particular entry apply to? The world, the nation and you and me. Everyone. :-)
 
Here are just a few not-so-random thoughts on how we (the world, the nation, you and me…everyone) can be better people in 2022 (readers, please don't don't hate...try to relate):

Be safe
Have Faith
John 3:16
Pray
Pay attention
Note the importance of what is repeated
Try to empathize with those who are different than you
Reach out of your comfort zone and try something new
Help those in need, whether they believe as you or not
Help everyone and expect nothing in return
Know what is worth it and what is not
Know what you are worth and what you are not
What you are is God’s gift to you
What you make of yourself is your gift to God
Rejoice in God’s miracles…they surround each and every one of us
Be still
Be gracious
Forgive rather than resent
Peace, not war
Love love
Hate hate
Decision time: is it worth it to get caught up in divisive political bullshit
Try to police your own bad language 0;-)
Empathy, not sympathy…there are big differences between the two
Appreciate, don’t depreciate
Be silent if your words will serve to harm rather than help
Feel, think and look in the mirror before words of judgement slip from your lips
Laugh
Compromise, don’t radicalize
Note: halfway happy in this upside-down world is better than the unending chaos outside and within
Fear not, have hope
It’s okay to not be okay
It’s okay to say no
It’s okay to ask for help
It’s okay to pause for “me time”
It’s okay to have and pursue your own dreams, goals and aspirations
Be unconditionally kind
Discern what is truly right and good and know what is not
Cherish the past, present and future
Cherish being alive
Open your mind and heart to possibilities and opportunities
Be open to quiet introspection and self-reflection
Get a good night’s sleep…they say a hot shower two hours before bedtime helps
Improve physical and emotional health
Try gaming…proven beneficial to strengthening one’s brain...including happiness
Don’t avoid necessary medical appointments
Be there
Face what scares you
Please wear a mask, shot or not
Please wear a mask, shot or not
Spend more time with loved ones
In with the good, out with the bad
Get in touch with an old family member or friend
Find at least one thing per day that makes you feel blessed and happy
Do one selfless thing for someone else every day
Listen with an open heart and open mind
Be safe
Have Faith
John 3:16
Pray
Pay attention
Note the importance of what is repeated

2020… SMH!!
 
So…quick recap of this year in news: COVID-19, global catastrophic health crises and death, mass quarantine, wildfires, airplane crashes, economic instability, extreme social and political unrest leading to destruction on a national and global scale, a relentless wave of natural disasters, murder hornets, Donald Trump, aliens, bubonic squirrels…and a partridge in a pear tree.  
 
(Pretty sure I’m forgetting some very important things, but I don’t have a Remembrall to help me with it.)
 
That’s national and global news…what type of year have you had?

There have been and continue to be many personal tales of trials and triumph.
Death and new life.
Challenges and opportunities.
Bitter sickness and blessed health.
Failure and success.
Grieving and celebrating.
Dumping old habits and trying new things.
Relationships lost and relationships gained.
Losing touch with some and drawing closer to others.
Separated by distance but united by the conveniences of modern technology.
And so much more.
 
Now, what about 2021?

If you’re like me, the future seems like a bunch of fog and gray matter. No one can predict what type of year we’ll have as individuals, as a nation and as part of the global network. But we can certainly hope and pray for the very best and we can hold tight to our blessings and each other (even if not in person) while thanking God. Though things might seem impossible at times, there is still good in the world.
 
Cling to hope and never let go.
 
One day at a time, one moment at a time. There may be days when you feel alone. But you are not alone…you never are. Never be afraid to reach out, whether your circumstances are positive or negative. People need people. God didn’t put us here to be alone. And you don’t have to have a significant other to feel love...I can say that because I'm single and know how difficult it is at times. I probably won’t ever have another romantic relationship—a true sadness for me—but I don’t want to give anyone Chronic Lyme Disease. So instead I reach out to feel love. Love in God. Love in my friends. Love in my family. Love in sweet little care animals. Love that still exists in this world despite all that has happened to it and to us.
 
Looking forward to 2021?

It's going to be different. It has to be. I hope it will be!! Existing problems (like COVID-19) won’t disappear overnight, but I believe that what is tough cannot remain so permanently. I believe that God will intervene. There is always a silver lining…and I’m not just referring to those who are in need of a gray touch up. :-)
 
On a personal note, a big hearty thank you to all who have hung in there with me. This year and years past. It’s amazing to me that I still have readers despite my infrequent personal posts…but I do appreciate all of you.

You never know when something you say or do can make a difference.

Continue being the beautiful lights that you are.
 
I love you!

​Many of us set New Year’s resolutions each year. Some are attainable, some aren’t. Success often depends on the dedication to (or lack thereof) the resolutions themselves. We can’t achieve goals if we don’t put in the work. Right? At the start of the year, we are fired up and ready to go with the very best intentions. But in the flurry of anticipation, we can set the bar so unrealistically high, that we fail. And when we fail, many of us get discouraged and sometimes wind up worse off than we were before.

This year, I decided to set a range of ATTAINABLE goals. For me, the bar is neither too high nor too low. Otherwise I'd struggle like the little kid in the picture.

The.
Bar.
Is.
Just.
Right.
For.
​Me.

A myriad of past failures and self-limitations have prevented me from realizing my potential and making true progress. Never again. 

​As a fighter in The Lyme Wars, recently I’ve been breaking through the old barriers and becoming the me I was always meant to be. 

It doesn’t mean that I can conquer the world (yet) and it doesn't mean that I won't have health set-backs in 2019. It just means that whatever is thrown at me, I'm still making progress each year. The treatment process is much like a dance. Varying levels of passion. Varying levels of coordination and energy. Varying levels of success.

By the time Chronic Lyme Disease is far in remission, I intend to be able to do one fine seamless tango. You can count on it.

I just have a few resolutions this year, but they’re pretty important.

Here they are:

• Strengthen my relationship with Jesus.
• Find reasonable ways to earn money. 
• Strengthen items critical to a long-lasting, healthier lifestyle. Better nutrition. Regular exercise. Quality sleep. Proper hydration. Appropriate self-care. Serve as a beacon of hope, love and peace.

Being single still isn’t fun. I’d really love to be sharing my life with someone right now. Who doesn’t love being in love?? That said, I purposely didn’t add “finally catch that mate” to my list of resolutions. Look, guys, I’m a happy, confident girl who loves life and appreciates the good with the bad. However, I’m also a girl who is tired of being the first to initiate contact and feels that if you want to get to know me, you should take a chance and reach out to me first. I promise I'm not a snob.

So, readers, it’s the second week of January. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Feel free to write in. I’d love to hear from you. 

Love, joy, good health and hope to each of you throughout this brand new year!

Jen