The global pandemic continued to rage throughout 2021, but vaccines offered hope, and now I probably won't die from Covid. National political events continued to be horrifying and surreal. I've exceeded my emotional capacity with it all and no longer watch the news.
In 2021 we bought another house, and moved again, for the second time in six months -- exhausting and draining both physically and spiritually. This house is comfortable and safe and has close proximity to family, making it very appropriate for the next phase of our life. I made 37 quilts this year, which is somewhat less than my usual output, but under the circumstances not a bad number. I welcomed a new grandson, Leo. I thoroughly enjoyed having Nick, Stacey and Rhiannon stay with us for an extended visit during November -- we hadn't seen them for more than 2 years.
All year I've actively been trying to let go of the past, both by weeding down our excess of physical belongings, and also by setting aside rituals and lifestyle elements that are no longer relevant to me. More work to do in both areas!
2021 was an extremely challenging year for me -- for all of us -- and I'm not confident that the future holds the promise of much improvement. The external factors, anyway, aren't going to get better any time soon. Sigh. I'm just appreciating what I have these days, making the best of it all, and embracing the present moment. My view of life has distilled. I discover that I'm more resilient than I'd given myself credit for.
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3 comments:
It's seems like every time I turn around there something new to adjust to. I agree with what you said about; "The external factors, . . . aren't going to get better any time soon." The are a lot of things that are out of my control and that's not going to change. But, I still have hope in the kindness of people and try to focus on the what's good in my life.
The very best any of us can do is appreciate what we have and enjoy the moment. That has been my lesson this year. Did I mention I crashed my bike last January? (Note to self, at 70, ride a stationary bike!!) Finally, got an epidural in Dec. and getting an MRI on my knee in Jan 2022. Thankfully, I'm no longer taking pain meds and can walk without fear my leg will give out. Things are very slowly getting resolved. Maybe that is why I'm content to stay on our property another year. This experience has given me a deep compassion for people that are hurting....physically or emotionally. Happy New Year Jeanne.
Resiliency - for those that choose a 'word of the year' perhaps they should consider that one. We've certainly had to draw on it a lot over the past couple of years.
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