We are 23 days into the new year; is anybody else not feeling the joy and excitement of the new year yet? This thought has been crawling around in my head for a while; I think I was afraid to verbalize it. So, I asked myself if it was me or the circumstances surrounding the beginning of this year and the past two years.
After careful reflection, I’ve concluded that it’s the times and the circumstances in which we live. Before someone becomes indignant and goes off on a rant and assumes that I am not grateful let me stop you before you get started. I am grateful to have crossed over into 2022. Life should never be taken for granted. I guess what I’m saying is the last two years have remained the same. We are still in the grips of a worldwide pandemic, and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere any time soon.
I need to get out of this rut. But I realize life is what you make it. I need a project to get my energy flowing. I stop making resolution years ago; by the end of January I will have forgotten the resolution anyway. It’s time for me to look outside of myself. It didn’t take long for me to realize there are so many people that need assistance. Helping others is the best way to get your mind off your own troubles. Thankfully you won’t have to go very far to find people in need.
Two years of Covid has resulted in major increases in joblessness, as a result, we have a significant increase in the homeless population. We have increases in domestic violence and child abuse. There are ways that we can be of service during this pandemic. Have you considered any of the following?
- Volunteering at a shelter
- Cleaning out your closet, getting rid of all the clothes that you can no longer wear.
- Working at a food pantry
- Volunteering at a neighborhood school
- Working with the elderly
- tutor virtually
Of course, exercise caution with any of the suggestions. If you’re still not into volunteering, not a problem. When was the last time you wrote a letter or sent a card? This is the perfect time to reconnect with all those friends you have been meaning to call. The point I’m trying to make is that we must figure out a way to remain social. The pandemic is doing its part to isolate us and keep us apart. We have to work at maintaining a connection.
Strength for the Journey
Last year had it’s problem, no doubt this year will have a few, it’s to early to concern ourselves with next year, let’s just hope it brings in something new. Some how we survived last year and we’ll manage to get through this year too. Our only hope is that we don’t forget as we go through something someone else is going through too. Life is too short to go through the journey alone.
