Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear

 Happy New Year! 

2020. It has already been deemed one hell of a year. For my family and I, it started with lots of terror as we rushed to escape the New South Wales bush fires. That was truly traumatic and I can't even begin to imagine how people who lost their homes or loved ones feel.

Then by February, we were all too aware of corona virus and it's restrictions on our lives. Many people suffered in various ways, whether it be financially, socially, emotionally. Having a family member catch coronavirus was really scary and stressful but thank goodness he is alive and well. So many have died due to this pandemic and the numbers are truly shocking. After two lockdowns in Melbourne, I am glad that restrictions have now drastically eased. To all those in lockdown overseas, please have hope that if you stay home and keep doing the right thing, restrictions will eventually be eased.

For the most part, I have tried to remain optimistic and hopeful. If certain plans were interrupted, I planned something else I could do. If I couldn't got out and about freely, then I found ways to entertain myself at home... reading, embroidering, crocheting, cooking, growing sunflowers, getting dressed up for no reason or going for lots of walks. This has certainly been a year of creativity for me. 

Some of this year's embroidery creations...

 

Some of  my crochet creations...

 

And a year to rediscover nature. But you already knew about its wonders, didn't you?

 

And if I couldn't catch up with friends or family, I talked to them through video calls. Change is hard for most people, so if you are struggling I would recommend looking for some alternative solutions. What can you do instead?

Oftentimes, musicians of the past inspire me through their music or words. Good ol' Elvis once said the key to happiness is "someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to". How very true that is.  What are you looking forward to in the new year?

Life is short and it's impossible to be happy all the time, but I think it's important to make each day count and to treasure the things and people in your life. Make a mental note each day of 5 things you're grateful for or congratulate yourself on 5 tasks you've done each day (however big or small) and see if your mindset improves.

Anyway, I'm getting all preachy now. What I really want to say is thank you for sticking around. This year will no doubt go down in history. We made it! What a time to be alive! And as the Rolling Stones sang, 'ain't it good to be alive?' I catch myself thinking that all the time.

 I hope you have a happy and safe new year. Be careful and look after yourself. 

 

I think John Lennon said it best when he sang..."Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear".

Lots of love to you.

X

 Title: Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.