Loving what I learned in 2020

Some of my images from 2020.
The top 9 app wasn't working
so I gathered some images I love. 
Happy New Year.
Photos and artwork
Barbara Muir © 2020

I looked at a blog from this day a couple of years ago, and
some of it seems as true today as it did then, even with this
year's enormous difference.This year has been harder in most
respects, although in the past decade we've lived through family
members dying, and struggling with hard illnesses. But COVID-19
has been a constant, serious gloomy, horrifically scary
influence affecting almost every aspect of our lives, every day. 

Yet by my calculations in the 10 months of the year that we've been
dealing with this virus, I've been dazzled by so many wonderful, loving,
and kind gestures, phone calls, and Zoom meetings. Even with this deadly
virus life has frequently been delightful. Major sources of my joy are the
wonderful work, ideas, and suggestions you share in your posts on your
blogs, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Some of the most challenging things
I learned in other years still apply. 

Be Happy!  Doesn't that sound simple? It can be.  This
year COVID has definitely made working on being
happy an uphill battle sometimes. Even before
the virus I noticed that we lose our way over ridiculous
things -- like traffic. As well as the richness of discovery, love
and a happy life, there have been many silly arguments about
how to behave in the current Lockdown, the occasional
sleepless nights, and worry about other people's health and
happiness. 

I've tried to listen to a voice in my head that tells me to rethink
my attitude (I think it is my mother), to notice what is great,
instead of what is wrong. I'm keenly aware that our time on the planet
is limited. I so enjoy your support, your beautiful art, and great thoughts 

I feel so blessed that my family and friends are wonderful!

You (I) don't know what's going to happen next.
Wonderful things happen when we aren't expecting them.
A dear friend showed up at the door today with mince tarts
for Steven. It was a grisly day -- dark grey skies, freezing rain,

and her brightly masked face was a treat indeed.

Teaching is a two way street. I teach writing once a week.
I've loved watching my students learn to be brave
and step into their own abilities and power.  This year all of
that work has happened online, through Zoom, emails, videos.
The hardest challenge my students face is learning to talk in
front of a group. And every student this year has perfected that
talent.  Plus I love learning about places and customs all over the
world, where I've never been, bringing new thinking,
new ideas, and experiences into a virtual class room from
everywhere.  My students know that we're learning virtually
to try and avoid this virus. Young people are aware of the current dangers
to the planet, and actively working on changing the current policies.
This has been both inspiring and motivating for me.

Love is vital,  But I know that love is a major force.
I'm a reader, and try to keep up with the news, and know
that aside from the Corona virus -- politics, climate change disasters,
and the brutality of war have made it another very hard year.  But I am
once again so moved by how sweet people are to each other,
even in the hardest situations. And I'm so grateful for the people in
my life, who care, make me laugh, and listen when times are tough.
I've told you this before, but after my mother died I realized
that even though I told my mother that I loved her every time we
spoke, or saw one another -- we can really never tell each
other that we love one another too often.  Love is key.

Here's to a New Year filled with love for you!