It feels like New Year's Day today because many of us have been vaccinated and we can venture back to some of the pasttimes we so missed such as travel and entertaining. We'll still heed the precautions because we don't want to let the variants dominate what could be a return to much of what we missed in the past year.
The nagging fear that the pandemic would harm or even kill a loved one is beginning to fade with regard to those who have been vaccinated, though I still worry for family members who are waiting their turn for vaccination--I will be relieved when they get their vaccinations too, and in the meantime continue to encourage them to live safely by masking up, physical distancing, and good hygiene. They can do this for what I hope to be a short time more.
So on this New Year's Day, what is the new normal that I see ahead.
Family love and care
In the past year the family has weathered a number of health-related and other storms. To me, clearly, the message has been that good teamwork, finding common ground, and worthy objectives keep a family strong and connected. It is important that we are there for one another, and we let each other know what we can do for one another and what we need from one another. In this new year, I want to do more and think harder about what contributes to a strong, loving family, and follow that lead.
Community respect
So many throughout the pandemic paid respect to the community by following pandemic precautions. This helped to keep many safe from the pandemic danger. In the communities where we live, we have to do what we can to respect one another. I want to think more about what that means and what I can do to be a respectful, helpful community member.
Research and knowledge
The more we know and understand related to what's going on in our lives, the better we can live. It definitely pays to stay on top of critical issues, oportunities, and potential by regular reading, viewing worthy news and other shows, and conversation with others.
Positive goals and objectives
Having a few good goals for the year ahead keeps your days well focused and positive. What do you hope to obtain in the months and year ahead? For me, the goals are simple including family care, a healthy garden, simple home, a few adventures, personal health and some contribution to the greater community by way of advocacy, time, and other supports.
I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy a sense of new year in the days to come, and I hope that people will embrace this opportunity with positivity, good focus, and joy. Onward.