We all know how difficult 2020 has been . . . I think most of us are happy to see 2021 upon us. That said, I have been trying to remind myself not to simply discard 2020.  Yes, it was clearly one of the more challenging years to date, but I am thankful to have lived it. It has made me into a more resilient person and more confident in my abilities to overcome stressful situations

One of my most important and meaningful New Year’s Resolutions this year is to try to extend that same thankfulness to other areas of my life that are challenging. A few years ago, I would have laughed at the notion of being grateful for all of life’s challenges . . . but 2020 has helped shape anew perspective for me.

In the past month, my dog of 16 years suffered a bout of seizures, and it subsequently altered my Christmas plans.  A week later, I learned my grandmother’s memory issues had picked up steam and it was challenging her caretakers to a degree that required my assistance, a thousand miles away, at the height of the pandemic and on short notice.

I am doing my best to be THANKFUL for these challenges. I am sure you can relate – and I encourage you too to feel gratitude for all of life’s uphill roads because feeling pain, anxiety, frustration etc. means you are alive and have an opportunity to OVERCOME!!!

Happy New Year & Stay Safe

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