On Jan 1, 2021 I received nearly a dozen Happy New Year texts and messages. The common theme in all was very clear – Goodbye 2020 and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
A contentious election, a world-wide pandemic, isolation from family and friends; most people were happy to see 2020 swept under the carpet. But in truth, as formidable as 2020 was, her tough love gave me some invaluable lessons.
After COVID-19 Arrived, I Caved
I ate too many comfort foods, binged on Netflix, and slept more than usual on the couch with my dog. Now I see, what kept me immobilized was a loss of control, and a forgetting of my life’s purpose.
Two weeks later, it was as if a switch flipped in my mind. I woke up to a new perception, reclaimed my sense of control and tuned into my purpose. I opened my laptop, set my fingertips on the keys and began to write. When I found myself consumed by politics, I opened a blank page on my computer and added my thoughts. When everyone argued about whether to wear masks or not, I outlined my new book. When I felt pandemic fatigue, I finished that book and began writing another one.
2020 gave me the time and the focus to engage in my passion for storytelling in a way that I had not before. This discipline has followed me into 2021.
This Wasn’t the Only Gift 2020 Left on My Doorstep
Spending 24/7 with your significant other after twenty-one years can prove challenging. In all that time, you would think you know everything there is to know about someone you love. But spending more time together, enjoying long conversations over sunsets, sharing deeply who we are and what we mean to each other, reminded us that life together is precious and not to take our relationship for granted. In 2020, I fell more deeply in love with my husband and best friend.
And of course, there is one more gift; the frosting on our cake.
In a few days, Grace, our rescue dog, will celebrate her birthday. I may not know exactly how old she is, but Grace will soon have been living one year in her forever home – with us. I cannot imagine what this year would have been like without her.
Every day I jot down in my Paws for the Good Stuff Journal, what I am grateful to Grace for. Simplicity, joy, companionship, laughter, playfulness, and sweetness are just a handful of pawsitive qualities Grace models. When we tune into these attitudes they enrich our lives. But as much as we fawn over her, there is no greater gift than her unconditional love, which reminds us life is good, however it may look on the outside.
My Heart Goes Out to All….
…who have suffered the loss of loved ones, struggled with illness, and have been dispossessed of jobs and incomes. My hope this new year is that empathy, wisdom, and kindness will be the order of the day as we move towards healing our planet and all her inhabitants.
They say hindsight is 2020 and I believe this to be true. I appreciate all I learned last year; the growth that comes with challenge, the gratitude for family and friends, and the wisdom that the animal world continues to teach me.
Stay Healthy & Stay Pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO 💜
PS: How about you? What one thing did you learn, experience or take away from 2020? I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.
I fostered two amazing rescue dogs and helped them to find their forever happy homes. A very joyful satisfying experience. Thanks you Milo and Scotch for giving me a purpose to carry on my life in Covid. Also, my friend and I for the last 6 months have walked 2 shelter dogs three times a week.
Then I tried my hand at fund raising for dog training for the sweetest pittie as she had very bad manners. Yesterday I picked up the NEW Channel from Albuquerque. She was a stellar pupil who now I am fostering until she finds her foreever home which hopefully will be soon. So, rewarding. Helping these rejected doggies has helped me through the difficult times of 2020. Here’s to a happier, healthier 2021.
I am overjoyed that you found so much comfort and purpose by rescuing and fostering. That is awesome and very inspiring. I’m so grateful for all you are doing for our animal friends and how much they’ve given you during this time. Yay, Nicky!
I too learned to appreciate what I have, my family, my friends, my community and, of course my pets! When depression and loneliness threatened I found that without fail, a memory, a gift, a call, a note, a wet nose, something would make me thankful and yes, happy to be living!
That is so beautiful to hear, Eva. I’ve never appreciated my family and friends more than I did in 2020. You’re right about finding things to be thankful for even when you feel despair. The wet nose is a sure fire way to bring a smile to my face:) Thx for sharing!
In 2020 Joe and I spent 2 glorious weeks in Puerto Vallarta with my best friend and her husband. We became closer and found so many new activities to share. I read 188 books and did 30 jigsaw puzzles. I listened to all 7 Harry Potter books with my daughter-in-law while puzzling and learned a lot about her life, family, dreams, special moments. My daughter came to stay for a long while. We visited 6 national parks and traveled all around southern Utah and northern AZ challenging my endurance in hiking and climbing while enjoying being with Joe and Rosie laughing and moaning. I have become a much more accomplished chef and branched out into new cuisines I’ve only eaten at restaurants like Chinese, sushi, all vegan. I have begun to write letters the old way knowing how much joy it gives the recipient and how much I love to create a humorous tale or send words of encouragement and love. I also love beautiful cards of unique artwork and try to support local artists. My family has meditated together every day for a whole year. We have had deep and important discussions about our feelings, goals, hopes, intentions. And on top of it all, I have not gained a pound!!
Wow, Katie! Your story is so inspiring. I love that you meditate together as a family and have shared so much about each other’s hopes and dreams during this time. I’m amazed at your focus and I especially love all of the healthy vegan foods that you are enjoying. Thx for sharing your journey with us and I can’t wait to see what you’re up to in 2021!