2020 Hindsight ({8-\)

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"There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone."

Do you remember the "The Twilight zone"?  It was a cult classic TV show that had "a strange mix of horror, science-fiction, drama, comedy and superstition. (Rod) Serling introduced each episode, and many of the black and white episodes concluded with a surprise ending." (Google)

It's been described as "... a place that exists at any moment of time, of space or of mind....but always when you least expect it. When you find yourself in this realm of unlimited possibility, be careful what you say or do. The right decisions may help you find your way back out....sometimes with greater happiness and wealth.  The wrong decisions often lead to madness and death, or an eternity trapped in this dimension.  Tread warily past the sign post ahead that says you've entered, The Twilight Zone. (Written by Bryan Ells)

If this sounds eerily  and uncomfortably familiar, it may be that you just experienced the 2020 Zone. 

A Virus Pandemic
Face Mask Mandates
Quarantines
Business Closures
School Closures
Antifa Protests
BLM Protests
Riots
Killer Hornets
Rampant Wildfires
Contentious Elections
           ... and we still have two more months to go!

To say this year has been extra-ordinary would be an understatement. There really are no words to describe it, and 2020 will most likely become its own adjective and noun reflecting an unpredictable negative connotations of any event or thing.

Has this year been a difficult one to navigate? An emotional and financial rollercoaster for most, we've been tested beyond our imaginations. If you've haven't experienced it, Congratulations! If you have, know that you are not alone, and are in a pool (swamp?) with the majority of Americans.  

I don't care to belabor the challenges of the year. For us, nearly all of our wedding bookings rescheduled. We are not alone, and our experience has been typical of vendors in the wedding industry and we found ourselves having to "bend like the willow". Instead I would prefer to consider the opportunities that the years events have exposed and highlighted. 

My personal take away from this year: 
Of course, it's much easier said than done, and really is a journey for me to change habits. But, even as exhausted as I am over this years labours, I <s>believe</s> know I am up for the challenge. I am always looking for the HOPE in any situation, and though I need to dig a little deeper after all of this, I still believe there are positive opportunities everywhere.

Now is the time to let the events of this past year motivate us to take better care of our bodies and minds.
Is it time to love who you are and take care of yourself? How about being mindful by actively seeing the world through grateful eyes and heart. We need to appreciate the little things that color our world and bring meaning to our lives. Let these experiences stretch us in new ways. Little changes can bring incremental benefits. 

It is not until something is taken away, do we realize its value in our lives. 
It is time to take stock in our priorities. Get rid of the negative fluff that takes up time and attention. Be willing to say no to those items that do not lift us up and in turn, helps us to lift others up.  Let's recognize what is truly important and place our priorities of time and energy there.

Looking back years from now, what will be said of 2020? Will you be able to say you beat the year, instead of letting the year beat you? Let's master the challenges and make lemonade out of lemons!  

What are your personal take aways? 

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