As the new decade has begun I would like to wish you all a wonderful New Year 2020 as well as a very happy New Decennium 💙 I remember as a child in the 1980's the year 2020 seemed so incomprehensibly far away, and yet here we are now living in that distant future.
It got me thinking about time and how surprisingly quickly it passes, so the one New Years resolution I have made is to be mindful about how and with whom I spend my time. There is an old saying that we become like the people we surround ourselves with, and therefore it is important to choose wisely. In this busy world of the roaring 2020's I find that the one thing I appreciate most amongst friends is those who give their time and love as generously as they wish to receive it. This last year I have been contemplating loneliness a lot, not only as regards myself but also reading about it in the media. When suddenly a subject is brought to the attention of others, it seems to bring forth a tidal wave of recognition. I think it is a good thing that such a very sensitive issue, that so many in our super busy society suffer from, is spoken about. In the middle of life's hustle and bustle it is a very special kindness when friends take into consideration those in their midst who are lonely. I especially love couples who invite their single friends for dinner, those with younger children who take the time to reach out to empty-nester parents and those who spend time with the older generation that may already have seen most of their friends pass away. Kindness is contagious, it doesn't cost a thing and it is one of the best forms of self love. In thinking about others, we often become happier ourselves. So my New Years resolution is to be "positively selfish" and spend more of my time being kind and mindful towards others.
The other thing I have been thinking about is how to be resilient in bad times. As the past decade has shown to me, bad times will come and go like the tides of the sea. The benefit that age has given me is the recognition of this fact, and a deeply felt assurance that even the worst of times will pass. Having my children and friends has been my greatest blessing during hard times, and really what has gotten me through all those bumpy patches. In recent years I have developed a more positive attitude, and the one advice I give myself whenever I feel down in the dumps is this: don’t despair as everything changes all the time. Simply concentrate on doing the things you love with great gusto and enjoyment. If you are bored you can always plant a garden and then you will never be bored again! (No wonder my gardens keep expanding...)
With this I would like to wish you all a very happy, loving and prosperous 2020!
