Well, this has certainly been a year. A few more hours, and the sh!tshow that has been 2020 will come to an end. As much as we might wish it to be so, 12:01am will not be an automatic reset to smooth sailing into 2021. There will be months of uncertainty, irritation, negativity... 

I read something last night that struck a chord with me...

Life is better lived when you center it on what's happening inside of you - not what is happening around you. Work on yourself.

Yeah, I know. It's something we've all been hearing/reading for many years. But for whatever reason, it resonated. 2020 has sucked. No two ways about it. Definitely more for some as they've navigated the pandemic and quarantine right along with stephell and separation/divorce/death. It's been a crummy year.

But things CAN be BETTER.

I cannot change what's happening out there, but *I* can change. I can change what I allow in my life; WHO I allow in it. I cannot change what people thinkg about me, but I can change how I react to it/them. Most importantly, I can change where I focus my energy. And I can be selfish because I need to focus that energy on ME. For myself. For my own peace of mind.

Things for which I am thankful:

• Idiot coworkers. Because it means I have a job and that job allows me to have a roof over my head, clothes on my body, and food in my belly.
• First world problems. That leaky outdoor spigot means I have fresh running water. My home is solid and not a cardboard box or a mud hut. A cheap cell phone is better than having to walk for hours or days to communicate with someone. That gas guzzling truck gets you somewhere much faster than your feet. I don't have to hunt or farm to eat because I can buy food at a store.
• STalk. I am an introvert, so this place has been a place for my voice to be heard without me having to actually speak. I will forever maintain that finding STalk saved my marriage. Finding friends has been an unexpected and lovely bonus.
• Steplife. Despite the hellish times, I have my DH, who loves me deeply and often puts my needs ahead of his own. I love this man with all of my heart and life with him is so... vibrant and alive. A quiet walk in the woods is more meaningful to us than any trip you buy. When he fixes something for me; speaks to me; looks at me with love in his eyes; sleeps in his recliner, content to be near me - my heart is so full. 

I know 2021 will have challenges and heartache. I pray that simple things in life can bring you consolation, happiness, and hope. Onnellista Uutta Vuotta! (Happy New Year!)