All that is needed is Chicken Soup and during the holidays, it tastes even better!
Well, this is our last blog of the year. What a year! It’s the holidays and our lives have changed. It is a time to be thankful, grateful and ultimately, a time of giving. I think this year is even harder for most, on so many levels. We had COVID-19, businesses closing, people losing jobs, sheltering in place, isolation, kids attending school from home, and one wild election.
It is a time of year to reflect and look forward to what can be and what might be possible. I think about what I want to leave in 2020, and what will be my theme moving into 2021. We have hope with the new vaccine, and people have found new ways to connect with others. We sure have learned how to use video conferencing, and phone calls are the new black! I personally, have been sending cards and notes to people all year. I love writing and it is just another way to connect in with people when we can’t be close.
I have had many friends, family and colleagues who have either been sick with COVID-19 or passed away. Many people have been ill with pneumonia and other infections as well. Even when I am tired at the end of the day, I call people or video conference to stay connected and support them! Ultimately, people want to be heard and listened to. It is a human basic need and I would say, this is what I do most days with my clients and those closest to me. I help them get through this mess we are in, and provide space for them to focus on the positive while looking for the gifts in all the loss and grief.
One of my dear friends came down with COVID-19 recently, and he was stuck in his house for more than 17 days. I made some chicken soup from scratch and decided I needed to make a home delivery along with a bag of groceries. I placed it on his stoop along with a Christmas card. It was a small but simple act, and the soup was made with love. He felt as though the soup was what he needed. I then, took bags of candy and gave them to random people – UPS drivers, Starbucks staff, florist delivery, etc. They were so appreciative to be thought of. It is the simple, small acts of kindness that make a difference. People want to be seen as well as being heard. Another, basic need that all humans seek.
We have hope with the new year and we have choices on how we choose to show up. What do you want for 2021? Happiness is a choice. You cannot control what happens, but you can choose how you react to it. Choose to be happy. Have hope and make some chicken soup!
My hope for 2021 is that people don’t forget 2020, and that people look at others with compassion and not judgement. All through life I have said not all people are where there at in life do to choices made and this year is no different. Many many people have had to make tough decisions this year. Be thankful and grateful for what you are blessed with , nothing in life is a give me. Be kind, be gracious, be compassionate because this isn’t over. Stay strong, keep positive and never quit believing in the Almighty God.