2021 is going to be another year of blessings...

As I happily move forward into a new year, a clean slate, a fresh beginning, whatever you’d like to call it, I can’t help but also reflect on the whirlwind of a year we had in 2020. There were many firsts, and hopefully lasts, to happen this past year. But rather than focus on the negatives, I’m going to choose to focus on all the positive takeaways. 

Time seemed to slow down these past few months and I was able to spend more quality time with my family than I’ve had in a number of years; they’re actually quite a cool bunch! I was able to spend more time with nature - something so lovely and also frequently overlooked as we rush from place to place. I got to get into (probably now considered an archaic way of communication) handwriting letters. I found that something as small as a handwritten note can be so special and I was able to build a stronger relationship between friends because of it. 

I’ve also been reminded of just how important it is to show compassion in all aspects in life. 

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” - Dalai Lama 

It just doesn’t get simpler than that.

The more I think about it, the more I find blessings in 2020. It wasn’t a perfect year, by any means, but we got through it together. We’ll get through this year together. 

Let’s make 2021 a blessing. 

Kathleen Oerther