Here we are the night before the big election, what a year it has been. Rather than focusing on all the bad that has happened this year; a good question to ask ourselves might be, what did I learn throughout the chaos? How did I grow during the times of frustration and confusion? After all we know that it is through adversity that we make changes; changes that help us adjust our collective sails. If it were not for the painful times, would we change at all. You know the proverb, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” (possible origin; Bert Lance https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it.html), I believe this rings true for most people.
What have I learned? I have learned that I can easily live without Walmart being open 24 hours a day. I have learned that cloth napkins work just fine and that my daughter is a germaphobe. I have learned not to allow fear to control me and that I really am okay not knowing all the details. I have learned to pray with great sincerity for those whom I do not even know, and I have learned that the world is a lot smaller than I ever imagined.
How did I grow? I have grown in my love for my country. I have grown in creativity in making holidays, and birthdays quite possibly even more special than they were before 2020 began. I have grown as a professor through trying to reach online students in a meaningful way. And I have grown in my reliance of God because I know I cannot control what is going on around me, and that’s okay with me.
What about you? How are you stronger for what has happened this year? What will you write on your list of the areas of growth? When someone comes up to you and says, “Ugh, 2020, what a year, nothing good happened!” look at them and ask them what they have learned and how they have grown.
In this season of Thanksgiving, let us give thanks for all that we learn, how much we grow and the situations and people that bring toward that growth. Do not allow adversity to define you, let strength, patience and love guide and define you, after all it is a choice, we get to make every day.
In this month’s newsletter, we will be taking a journey through the season of Advent–a wonderful time for learning and growth. Also, we are excited to be adding links this month to videos we will be doing which will be both instructional and inspirational. And of course, there are the recipes and fun activities to look forward to. Remember we are just getting started, we look forward to some feedback, suggestions and even photo submissions. Let the holidays begin!!
Hey, don’t forget to write your list of how you have grown and what you have learned from 2020, we’d love to see it.
Namaste,
What a great insight. I have learned and grow so much as well. I learned that family and love for others have more worth than we emphasize. I learned that I can use these times to be my OCD-self! clean, clean, clean😁 with a peace of mind…However, I have finally found so much time to be in God’s presence. And because of that, I have been transformed in many ways. I am stronger, wiser, more in love with people, and forgiving of others. WOW, so many things no longer have greater value like all the shoes I love to buy or the fancy tea. I rather help others and say hello often. In a funny note, toilet paper is now a luxury!! 😁 Strength, Peace and Delighting in the presence of God have been the greatest accomplishments in the mist of this year. This year has been a year for growth, no doubt about it. I am so thankful for the people I have in my life and those I help through counseling. I learn new lessons each day through the eyes of others, I wouldn’t change that for nothing. I am blessed in the mist of the storm.