Sometimes you find what you need
So far, the year 2020 has not been what I expected.
We started January with my mother’s funeral.
In March, we said goodbye to our beloved Charlie Dog.
Also in March, we went on COVID-19 lockdown and experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake.
April brought multiple aftershocks, some rather large.
In May, we moved my mother-in-law into assisted living and George Floyd was murdered.
June saw riots and looting across the United States, including in my home state of Utah.
And yes, through this all, social distancing continues. At a time when we need human touch the most, it is forbidden.
So no, 2020 has not been what I wanted. But in the words of The Rolling Stones…
You can’t always get what you want
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger
But if you try sometimes, well, you might find
You get what you need.
Like you, I’ve seen…and nodded appreciatively over…the social media and blog posts describing 2020 as the year that just won’t end…or should be cancelled…or slept through. But I also read this recently, and it really spoke to me:
What if 2020 isn’t cancelled?
Leslie Dwight
What if 2020 is the year we’ve been waiting for?
A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw —
that it finally forces us to grow.
A year that screams so loud, finally awakening us from our ignorant slumber.
A year we finally accept the need for change.
Declare change. Work for change. Become the change.
A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart.
2020 isn’t cancelled, but rather
the most important year of them all.
I’m not sure exactly what that change looks like, but I am certain that change is needed. Change in the world. Change in the United States. Change in myself.
Your turn
- What is one thing you’ve received from 2020 that you needed?
- What is one change that you commit to for the second half of 2020?
- Is there anything I personally can do for you?
Follow my blog with Bloglovin.
Shared on the GRAND Social and #MLSTL.
HI, Christie – The last quote that you posted here is incredibly powerful. I agree that 2020 offers us the unique challenge to band together. May we all embrace the need for change and work together toward this.
That’s how I felt too, Donna. I hope the world–and me personally–don’t waste this opportunity.
Hi Christie, I have seen this quote going around and every time I read it, I see something more in it. Thanks for sharing it here and giving us pause for thought. I think change is needed everywhere and maybe this is the year that starts serious change on a global level. I feel for you in all you’ve had to cope with so far this year, and can relate to much of it myself, as this year has had its fair share of ups and downs for me too. Take care and I hope you can see change happening soon. #mlstl
Thanks Debbie. Life is full of ups and downs, but some periods seem more challenging than others. It’s a good time for all of us to re-evaluate and course-correct. Take care of yourself.
Good post. Lot to think about. I don’t think I can answer your questions just yet…very interesting #MLSTL
Thank you Lydia. I’m glad you found it interesting. I hope all is well with you.
Hi Christie, IMHO No day/ week/ month/ year should be cancelled. With a positive attitude we’ll see an opportunity to do better and be better. “The time is always right to do the right thing.” #MLSTL
Every moment of life is precious, Natalie, and each has a lesson to teach. Thanks for sharing the quote about doing the right thing. So true and a good reminder.
If this year so far can teach anyone anything is that LIFE is wonderful and our friends and family are the most important. Here in Australia this year started with terrible fires, then we moved house, then COVD19 and I was thought to have it but couldn’t get tested. My housemate/carer lost his job due to COVD…our rental house started having issues…his bedroom was a waterfalll…every time it rained. Then my nephew 30 years old drowned, then my niece by marriage her dad had a heart attack and died. Funerals are limited yet protests of thousands can go ahead here in Australia. Unable to travel for funerals, its in another state.
Big hugs to you xx
#MLSTL
You’ve been through a lot this year, Bree. I hope you are taking good care of yourself. I know you are resilient and can find your way through this, but sometimes you just want to say, “Time out! I need to catch my breath.” Don’t you? At least, I do. Sending lots of love your way.
I actually just read a newsletter (email thingy) from Mark Manson this morning sent Monday suggesting we stop and consider what’s happening now (though more the COVID-19 repercussions) as a gift. An opportunity. So no matter how crappy we think things are, ask ourselves if there is possibly any good to come from it and what we need to do to leverage that good.
Very good advice, Deborah. That’s what I’m trying to do right now. This is the hand we’ve been dealt (or set up for ourselves), so what do we do with it?
Hi Christie, I received much needed time out due to isolation. I tend to be running on 150% most of the time so it was good to know that I just couldn’t be there for everyone as we were all in lockdown. It really took the pressure off and allowed me to pursue finishing my Fitness Certification plus also plan my changes to the blog. I am committed to keeping the balance I have found despite my new found enthusiasm for the blog. Thank you for sharing with us at #MLSTL and helping us to reflect. Have a beautiful week. xx
Hello Sue. That’s great that you have that insight about yourself and the gift that this period of lockdown has given you. I look forward to seeing where this new direction takes you. You are amazing! Enjoy your week!
I saw a meme that said, ” Hey 2020, what did we do to piss you off?”
It will be interesting to see how 2020 is viewed in the future. I hope we have learned some things to make some positive changes. It is starting to feel like a major change year- kind of like 1969 was. I hope we can come out of this with something new and positive so that it least it feels worth it.
That’s a good one, Michele (the meme). I have felt like that at times. I told my husband, “I think Mother Earth is trying to shake us off. She’s had enough.” As you said, it is interesting to think about how future civilization will look back on this period. It would be wonderful if it is the point at which we made significant changes for the better. Best wishes for a wonderful week!
Hi Christie – I’ve seen that quote pop up on my FB feed a couple of times and it’s very true. Sometimes we need to face the darkness to be able to move through it and make the changes that are needed. I truly hope that the US (and the other countries who are impacted by their own BLM and covid dilemmas) find some peace and a greater sense commonality by the end of all of this.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM ?
Thank you Leanne for the words of encouragement and for sharing my blog. As always, I sincerely appreciate it. Hopefully, as a people (myself included), we are ready and willing to learn the lessons that these difficult experiences have to teach us. Enjoy your week!
Yes, another way of looking at this unusual, bizarre year. Indeed, we do hope that some positive changes will occur — voting Mr Trump out of office might help, too!! #MLSTL
I’m with you on that one, Enda! We need someone in office who can unite us, treat others with respect, and be respected.
Very interesting to ponder… what did I get that I needed? I’m not sure I can answer that. I’m continuing to find my temper fuse is too short these days, I’m struggling to find new things to “do” (for a feeling of accomplishment), and I feel guilty for those negative feelings because I really do not have it that bad. I do wonder what these days will look like in a historical hind-site.
It is a different way to look at things. There is always a gift…or a lesson…in everything. Maybe we will only know what that is with the clarity of hind site. I wish you well in your journey. These are difficult times to maneuver. I am starting to struggle more with the lack of easy everyday interactions and the need for constant careful decision making. We just postponed our trip to Alaska to spread my mother’s ashes. I’m sad, but at least it’s decided. The going back and forth, hoping, doubting, weighing was making me anxious. And then, like you, I feel guilty. It’s a small thing compared to what so many are suffering. Still, those are my emotions, they are genuine and deserve to be felt.
I saw that quote too about 2020 not being cancelled and reposted it in a few places – it really resonated with me. I’m seeing the year as a bit of an opportunity to take a step back and take things slowly, and be truly grateful I’ve not been in the position many are. I’m always aware of my privilege and the benefits it affords me but have been more aware of it of late. The BLM protests have resonated around the world including in Australia where we have our own issues of racism which we tend to ignore. I hope this time really does lead to meaningful change in all sorts of ways. An end to Trump and his disgraceful and divisive ways, and others like him, would assist I should think.
I hope more people will use this time to reflect, as you are Christine. I am trying to do that as well. I started reading How to be an Antiracist and am finding it useful in getting me thinking in a different way and re-examining my own thought processes and actions. There is room in all of us for growth and often that means slowing down and taking a hard look at where we are today and where we want to be. For the United States as a whole, in my view, voting in a new president would be a very good start.
What is one thing you’ve received from 2020 that you needed?
A sense of appreciation for my good health and a wonderful long term relationship with my husband which definitely saw us through COVID lockdown.
What is one change that you commit to for the second half of 2020?
Being more aware of my white privilege. I thought I knew I had benefits in my life because of my skin colour and life opportunities but I now know that I need to be cognisant of how that might appear to others and never take it for granted.
Is there anything I personally can do for you?
Just keep on blogging your wise and caring words dear Christie!
Denyse #mlstl
Thank you, Denyse, for taking the time and mental energy to answer these questions. I second all of those things! (Well, I don’t know how wise I am, but I certainly do care.) Like you, I have good health, a loving relationship, and the financial resources to see me through this crisis. I know many are not as fortunate. I am making a conscious effort to feel more gratitude for that and to do what I can to support those who don’t have those advantages. Take care Denyse.
Hi Christie, your post hit home with me. I love the Leslie Dwight quote and will be sharing that in addition to your post. It is time we all stand up and force change! Maybe 2020 is the kick in the ass we need. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Debra! I felt the same thing when I read that quote. Let’s make something good from all this suffering!
I appreciate how your hopefulness turns everything around. What an encouraging perspective as we move into the second half of the year. I felt like Covid has been a necessary evil. Our world needs to be shaken up a bit, not quite so comfortable. And I think it caused most everyone to focus for a time on what is most important.
I agree with you Leslie. If everything we are going through leads people to re-evaluate and make changes for the better, it will have been worth it. When we had an earthquake right after lockdown started, I told my husband Mother Earth is trying to rid herself of us. We better start being nicer to her!