This year has been so hard. 😢 We could probably each make a lengthy list filled with reasons why 2020 is the worst, ever.
Losing people I love, feeling lonely and disconnected from humanity, seeing my kids struggle without school and friends – these are some of my biggest heartaches of 2020. The year has tested our patience. And perhaps, given us a greater appreciation for things we’ve taken for granted in the past – like gatherings, jobs, educators, fresh air and even a simple trip to the grocery store.
I need to believe we can do better this year. It’s just a calendar year – it’s rather arbitrary if you think about it. . . but TODAY marks 100 days until a “new year” – until January 1, 2021.
I knew the countdown was coming – I randomly checked last week to see how many days were left in this wretched year. . . .and when I saw we still have 100+ days, I gave it some long, hard consideration. Are we going to give up on 2020? Are we folding our cards and waiting for a new calendar to be hung before we can believe in good again? 100 days in any other year would seem like a huge window for opportunity – but 2020 has kicked us in the gut so often, I fear we’re ready to discard those days because they couldn’t possibly be worthwhile. With so much is out of our control (pandemics, politics, wildfires). . . it may seem hopeless . . .but I believe it doesn’t have to be. . .Â
So personally, I’m committing to doing at least ONE THING EVERY DAY for someone else. To bring them joy, a smile, to make things a little brighter – because that is something that IS in my control. Because I can do better. . . .and I’m not ready to give up on this year.
Today I’m baking a batch of my grandma’s rolls for our neighbor whose wife just got taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Tomorrow it might be sending a card to a friend who I think needs it . . . or calling someone who I haven’t talked to in awhile. Or donating to a non-profit or dropping food off at the food bank. I’m 100% committed to at least 100 acts of kindness and connection. And I’m bringing my kids along for the ride – because I believe they can use this positivity, too.Â
As much as I want to crawl up in a fetal position until 2021 starts – I’m half-worried I’ll find myself on January 1, 2021 feeling just as hopeless and then what?! I worry we may be giving up on 2020 in hopes that a new year means change. . . but what if it doesn’t?
So I’m going with Gandhi on this one and saying let’s “Be the change we wish to see in the world.” And you know what I want to see? More connection. More caring. More love. If what I am craving is more connection with humanity and more good in this world – then I should be doing my best to put it out there.
I feel like we need humanity to join arms and do a big ole “Care Bear Stare” . . . can you relate?
Or maybe, just a humanity huddle . . . together we can make a difference, I do believe it. So I’m making a list. . . and I’m 100% COMMITTED to 100 intentional acts of kindness and connection between now and the end of the year. I choose everyday to fill someone’s cup, to make someone smile, to remind them they are loved and to intentionally CONNECT and LOVE on our fellow humans. I’m all in. Are you?
What are some ideas you have for bringing happiness, joy or light into the lives of the community around you? I will share my list with you every week. Let’s do this!
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