2020 – Appreciation Magic

It’s been quite the year all over the world. It may seem strange to find things to celebrate and appreciate this year, but there are many, if you look for it. I’ve made appreciating my daily habit, and often it’s for the simple things. One thing is for sure: the negative aspects of this year have brought forth huge mountains of desire and intentions for making things better everywhere.

I have often been struck this year by the creativity that’s come out of this year. The year was full of creative ways to bring television, Broadway shows, and opera to us. We could travel to museums virtually and go virtually anywhere without leaving our homes. Many TV shows got creative and still brought us their episodes or broadcasts in creative ways. I even participated in the Zoom audience at The View, a show that I always wanted to attend when I lived in NYC. It was a fun experience and the people with me were awesome. The pandemic forced us to “think outside of the box,” and for that, I’m grateful.

Even amongst all the political fighting, there’s usually someone with a sense of humor posting funny memes that made me laugh. And there’s always a dog or cat photo to make us feel warm and fuzzy. There were many heart-warming stories of people helping each other. Mr. Rogers always said in times of trouble, to look for the helpers. And that I did. There were so many helpers during the derecho that hit Iowa and my heart wanted to sing! I appreciate all who reaffirmed my belief that most people, (and especially Iowans), are kind and caring.

Speaking of helpers, I appreciate essential workers everywhere! Essential workers in health care, the food industry, the transportation industry, the delivery industry and the mail industry kept things going. Honestly no words can truly express how much I appreciate all that you do.

I appreciate all my family and friends who I met with virtually this year. I laughed so hard at our first annual virtual Clark Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest where I was one of the 5 judges. It felt like we were gathered together for the holidays. If it weren’t for this pandemic, 9 of us girlfriends probably wouldn’t have reconnected after many years of silence. I’ve known most of these women since I was 5 years old and I appreciate and love them all. I really appreciate having successful virtual Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family, too. While my daughters live in the same city and very close to me, they aren’t in my household pod, so we don’t get together. I can’t wait to get together with them again and share a meal and family time!

A special shout out and “thank you” goes to all of my Hawkeye Twitter friends! I’ve enjoyed our interactions over this year so much and cannot wait to see some of you again, and meet those that I’ve yet to meet. I appreciate that we had a football season, albeit shorter than usual, and that fans were able to see our team play on TV. I’m looking forward to a pandemic-free Hawkeye game and gatherings in 2021! And I appreciate how many kept the Iowa Wave going this year! I’m sure the children and their families appreciate you! 🖤💛

Iowa Hawkeyes Football Game

As this year comes to a close, I’m appreciative of all the scientists, researchers and medical personnel involved with the development and distribution of the vaccines. My daughters are getting their first dose today and I really look forward to the day when I’ll get mine and we can get together again. I really appreciate that I live in Iowa City with the wonderful University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. I am grateful for all the resources in my city.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Happy New Year to all and don’t forget to look for the helpers!

The year 2020 has been so unusual in unpredictable ways. The pandemic with the COVID-19 virus has resulted in disruptions in our normal routines and increased anxiety in many people as a result. The news is filled everyday with new virus numbers, many dead, red alerts around the world, and stories of people debating the efficacy of masks and others protesting it. This, coupled with a contentious presidential election in the U.S., has resulted in a lot of negative news on TV.

Awhile ago, I found myself not feeling very good when I turned on the TV and checked in with the news. It seems as if the stories were all the same, no matter which channel I turned to. So I decided to give myself a distraction and turn the news off for awhile. It’s not the first time I’ve done this and likely won’t be the last.

What a difference that decision made! I decided to find a distraction that would capture my interest and entertain me at the same time. So I began to watch old seasons of the show, Survivor. I was only recently a fan of the show, so I hadn’t seen any but the last season’s episodes in its entirety. The show has been on for 20 years and there are 40 seasons in all. I am now on Season #37! It has really kept my interest and completely distracted me.

This distraction for me is good for my soul. It is a form of self-care in these uncertain times. We all have to take care of ourselves and it is especially important during this pandemic. This is one way I’ve found to be calming and fun. It is not the only thing I’ve done to “escape” from the thoughts of this pandemic and the quarrels of what is now the U.S. presidential post-election, but it is one that has served me very well for my overall well-being.

So when you find that you’re having a hard time with the day’s events, it can be truly good for your soul to take a break and immerse yourself in something that brings you pleasure instead. Turn off the news and enjoy whatever makes you feel good.

I may not be a contestant on the show, but I am a survivor in these chaotic times of 2020!