January Blog

Be Gone...2020!!
​...Happy 2021🥰

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New Beginnings 
Written by 
Yvonne Dagger

I've never felt the need to rush time away.
​However, 2020 was a year I just wanted to rush through.
I just can't help it!  I keep repeating in my mind...
​"Enough, I've had ENOUGH. We've all had ENOUGH!!!"
​Does the thought of another year make you feel a little apprehensive?  I have to admit...​It kind of does for me.
For many of us, 2020 was a really hard year.
We faced a worldwide pandemic, racial injustice, economic instability and a number of high and lows.  
For me, personally, we lost our beloved Little Tommy TuTu and then right after that my mom passed away. 
​Almost everyone I speak with has shared a loss or painful experience during the year.
YES...
​this year has been the most challenging
and painful in recent history.

So, how can we look on the bright side of things if what we've been going through is so painful and the very thought of seeing anything good is as remote as, well, remote learning and working?  For me, I guess I'm ready. I'm ready for new beginnings. Upbeat, happy new beginnings. I am ready, so ready for them. I would suspect, many people share my thoughts, too. This year I've considered making a list of "New Beginnings" rather than a list of "Resolutions." Quite honestly, I never kept my New Year's Resolutions, anyway!! 😆 To me, the words "New Beginnings" has a connotation of hope, happiness and joy for the future.
​
​My list of new beginnings consists of doing the ordinary things I've missed in 2020 and being GRATEFUL for each and everyone of them. They're not elaborate things at all. In fact, they're some very simple things...like seeing my grandkids and giving them a great big hug, going to the grocery store, getting my hair cut and being grateful for having the ability to go out and about whenever I please.  Due to my chemo treatment and compromised immune system, I haven't been able do any of these things. I haven't gone to the grocery store since last January. And I haven't gotten my hair cut since last February. I've always taken these ordinary things for granted. Take going to the grocery store, for example  It's crazy and kind of silly to miss such a common thing like that, but I really miss going to the grocery store. Armed with my King Kullen weekly coupon...I would make my way there and while shopping I would see many friends, chat and catch up on things. A mundane thing to do, I know, but I miss it. I loved serendipitously seeing some of my friends while shopping.

​I also miss hugging my family and friends. I love to hug. There are great huggers out there. I have a friend who is the greatest hugger in the world...a gift I don't even think she thinks she possesses. When she hugs, you sink into her and feel a sense of warmth and love. I miss that. Now don't get me wrong...my husband, Denis, is a great hugger too, but my friends hug tops any I've ever received.

Oh, and, I miss, miss, miss having my grandkids over for art lessons, baking and cooking. I do see them from a distance, but it's just not the same. I am tired and frustrated by these sacrifices. I know that it's important for me to stay the course. This action is not only good for my own health, but the health of others, as well. I understand the fatigue and frustration we all feel. Not one person or pet has not been affected by this pandemic. I would assume that the only way to move forward is to release the past and embrace the future of a new year...a new beginning. I know in my heart of hearts, if we remain vigilant, we will conquer this virus and come out feeling stronger and braver. The good news is that we are told help is on the way. By the middle to the end of 2021 we will see a "new" normal emerge. Albeit, we will most likely still be sporting our face coverings for a while, but there is a light at the end of this long dark tunnel. 

I can't help but think about all of the good things that have happened this year, too.  My little girl, Miss YaYa, was operated on right after I was. She was diagnosed with cancer. My first thought was, oh, no, not another heartbreak...However, her amazing doctors were able to remove all of the cancer. After four rounds of chemotherapy she made it through her treatments with flying colors. She is pretty much back to her 11 year old goofy, wiggly self. I also had some good news... I had my 4th CT scan last week and my oncologist said that everything looks good. Another set of blessings. 
​My hope is that, as we reflect, we bring these good things out in the forefront and concentrate on them. By taking them one by one we can use them to move forward to a better tomorrow.  My humble advice is to look ahead to what we want to be, what we want to learn and the wisdom we are eager to share. We must try our hardest to succumb to the feelings of defeat and frustration. Instead, we must pause to reflect on the blessings and distance we've traveled throughout this very challenging year. We have to concentrate on the strength we've acquired along our journey and the progress we've made along the way.  Most importantly...

We should Be proud of ourselves.  

The ​​best is yet to come in
​ 2021!!! 

​Happy tales to you,
With love and blessings for a
​Happy and Healthy New Year to ALL!
​xoxo Yvonne