What if we look back on 2020 with a grateful heart for the small glimpses of treasures found even the darkest places? As we enter the final stretch of this year, I have been reflecting a great deal on what these last several months have brought us. They have increased our fears, tears, depression, anger and anxiety in many cases. It has been a year of loss whether through a job, divorce, or even more tragically, a loved one. I also has been a year of reunions. I have spent a lot of time catching up with friends and family via zoom that I haven’t talked to in years. What a blessing! It has also forced us to slow down and ponder what is most important in this life. Will we come to the end of our lives and ask ourselves “Did I work enough?”, “Was I successful enough?”. I think for most of us the answer will be a resounding “NO”. What is most important are PEOPLE. Are we investing in the lives of others, are we present, I mean really present when we are with them (intentional and engaged)? Look at all the memories we created with our loved ones because we were forced to be together. What about all the projects we were able to finally complete because we actually had the time. It is sometimes very difficult when we are in the mix of it all to practice gratitude but, I truly believe that one day we might just look back and wish for a time in our lives when things were simpler.

I will leave you with this…go out and do something you’ve been wanting to do for years. Don’t let fear be your deterrent. In speaking with hospice patients, studies have shown that their biggest regrets aren’t the things that they did (and maybe failed at) but are the things that they never tried. Don’t be one of those people my friends (and this is a challenge to myself as well).

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!”

Hunter S. Thompson, The proud Highway Sage of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967