2020 has been a very unusual year – one full of worry, angst, and for some of us, a year of joy and new beginnings.

We can despair over what has been wrong this year, or we can rejoice that we have made it through and that there are better times ahead of us.

I personally have found joy this year. Joy in a new grandson in August, a move to my own place, a new job and a new outlook on life. The love I feel for my grandson has been amazing. I find joy and love every minute I spend with him. His baby laughter, his smiles, and his cuddles warm my heart. I also look forward to the coming year as my son and his girlfriend are expecting a baby in May. Another grandbaby to love!!

I moved out of my parents’ place at the end of July and started a new life closer to my daughter and grandson. While I will always be grateful that I had the chance to be with my parents for the past three years, I am also grateful that I am now living on my own and have my own space. I love the quiet. I can stay up late. It’s been a good few months and I am grateful that I have this for myself.

I found a new job that I really enjoy. I look forward going into work each day, talking with my co-workers and conversing with the customers. While I wish I was moving around more in my job, I enjoy my time there. Being considered an essential worker has made people more appreciative of what we do and they tell us this. It’s so important to our minds to know that we are appreciated for the work we do.

I also have a new outlook on life. Nothing lasts forever. We must take every day as a chance to find peace and joy in whatever we see and whatever we do. Take things in stride. Be careful, be safe and be kind. If it takes me a bit longer in line somewhere, so be it. It’s not so awful that I have to get angry at the people around me.

We have all been given the precious gift of life. We need to be grateful for every scent we smell, every breath we take, and every sight we see. We may not get many so be grateful for we do get.

We all want to have 2020 be a distant memory, and one day it will be. Let’s learn from what happened in 2020 to make the rest of our lives the best of our lives. Peace out 2020 – bring on 2021 and may you all have a joyous New Year.