Find the joy. Let it wash over you.

2020 is difficult.  People have suffered unfathomable things. Most have had to refocus, re-budget, retool and remind ourselves that the pandemic isn’t permanent just to stay positive. Although this ‘new normal’ is yet to be defined, we will prevail.

This season many won’t have the opportunity to gather with loved ones or share in traditions past. People suffer from the loss of family, friends, uncertainty or their livelihood.

Many are redefining holiday rituals out of respect to attack the virus. During unprecedented times, it is critical to be vigilant of one another. Reach out more frequently. Schedule recurrent phone calls, Facetime, check-ins on friends and family. I like many have experienced the emotions of spending holidays alone and while unbearable, we don’t reach out.

​COVID-19 may be attacking our world, yet we can’t let it succeed.
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Though traditions may be atypical this year, we can find ways to stay positive and find hope. Change your pace, nurture mind and body and go within. Give yourself the gift of quiet renewal and self-reflection. Perhaps you could dive into a long-awaited project or read that great book.  Attempt your culinary skills and feed your soul with comforting foods. Pamper your body through home facials and spa remedies.  Start a meditation practice or connect with lost loved ones.  Spend more time with immediate family, plan game nights or begin that 500-piece puzzle.
 
Start a daily gratitude journal. Begin small by giving thanks for your warm bed, your health, hot chocolate or cider, holiday baking, timeless holiday movies, the magic of holiday lights. Give thanks for the love of family and friends. For all the heroes who put their life on the line each day to save others. The ideas are endless.
 
2020 is like no other, yet we as collective are strong, resilient and will forge through. Be present, be aware of the small blessings, love yourself and hold your loved ones just a little bit tighter.
 
May you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!