Finding Joy in 2020

Easy to hop on the bandwagon and kick this year out of the park. I certainly agree that it was awful and unpredictable and annoying. But if you think about it and you, like me, are still alive here on this planet, I bet we can recall a few moments that brought us joy this year.

I didn’t travel and the one trip I did plan had to be canceled.

That didn’t stop me from dreaming about traveling. In fact one recurring dream I kept having this fall was of me packing a suitcase. But I had 2 suitcases and several bags and some loose clothes and even a sled. I was having a difficult time carrying it all.

Apparently packing dreams have many interpretations. On the website dream-meaning.net packing dreams generally mean big changes ahead. The packing represents considering what to keep with you and what to let go.

Some big life changes have been happening this year for us: Pete sold his house. My house had some major renovations. I retired from teaching after 30 years. The boys sometimes lived with us and sometimes moved out.

In a year that I can’t wait for the threat of catching a deadly disease was over, I must reflect on the silver linings. What moments made me smile and appreciate that I still can enjoy this gift of life.

In honor of the last full moon, called a cold moon where 13 full moons happen in one year, here are my 13 best moments of 2020!

13. Waving to my students at their homes as I dropped off their school supplies and some other goodies after the schools shut down for the year.

12. The wave goodbye drive by as families cruised past to cheer on the masked teachers from their cars.

11. Moving back into my house early March with a brand new renovated kitchen and bathroom.

10. The double rainbow in spring that was super vibrant.

9. Driving into Montauk this summer for a mini vacation. That view of the salty surf, sandy beach and quaint town as you descend from Old Montauk Highway always makes my heart sing.

8. When, at a socially distanced farewell party to good neighbors, they gave us all t-shirts with our neighborhood nickname.

7. Playing board games with my family after homemade dinners for those first 4 weeks sheltering at home.

6. When Harry runs around the house with his leash in his mouth to let us know he wants a walk on the beach.

5. Watching Pete use the new grill in our backyard instead of dining out.

4. Sitting in our inflatable hot tub at night with a glass of wine.

3. Making a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for my family in the new kitchen.

2. Getting the report that My brothers heart surgery was successful on Christmas Eve.

1. And finally, the joy of retiring and heading to Florida – for a month!!

Looking forward to finding more moments of joy and connection with friends and family in 2021.

Happy New Year to all of you. Wishes for good health and happiness in the new year.