2020 – The Year of Change

When I first started writing this post a couple of months ago I was looking forward to the year 2020. To the challenges, to the changes, and to the triumphs. But January started off rocky with world-famous Kobe Bryant’s tragic death along with his comrades and family on the helicopter. My husband was and is a big fan of Kobe and seeing how it brought him much sadness and confusion over the loss of this global icon was eye-opening for me as well. Then as news started to spread about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in February, the world was still waking up from this unprecedented event. Rumors, gossip, and inaccuracies were flying about in the media, in stores, and even with friends and family. Who do we trust? Who do we believe? And who do we turn to for accurate information? Was this new virus man-made or was it passed through human contact with an animal? People were being biased and xenophobic, dividing our country and humanity even more. And then suddenly…the tragic events of China, Italy, and even the US started to bring people together. People started to realize that we are indeed just human – not superhuman, or impervious to assault and danger. When I say people in this sense, I’m talking about the norm and not everyone in the world, of course.

Sure, there are those out there who think they can arm themselves from this new virus with guns and violence – surely you can’t possibly shoot a virus away, can you? But as fear and confusion spreads throughout the world, and people are buying up supplies to last them for years, what does that really say about us as humans?

While you’re stuck at home with your kids or working from home, take a look across social media to see the good in people. Companies out there are donating their extra food and services. Neighbors are donating food to each other. Apartment residents are leaving unopened food in the hallways ready to share. And in Italy, one of the most devastated countries to be affected by this, people are singing and bringing songs of joy and encouragement to their neighbors. They are not blaming or shaming. They are all banding together during this unprecedented event to help each other out. It’s a confusing time and it’s most definitely the right time to do the right thing.

When I was writing this post, I wanted to share an inspirational quote. And while it doesn’t directly transfer to what we are all experiencing right now, this quote still brings inspiration and hope to those who need it.

“With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve” – Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The year 2020 was supposed to be about “clear vision”. But clearly – excuse the pun here – not all of us can see “clear” right now. There are many affected on a personal level. And there are many that feel the pain and compassion for others who are suffering. Let’s not forget that everything is connected. No one is better than the other. And certainly no one can predict something like this can happen. No matter what you believe – remember that kindness and humility is the strongest action we can take for ourselves and for each other. You don’t have to like what someone is saying around you, on the streets, or on social media. But you can be kind. And you can be humble.

So, onto a bit of lighter news. As a parent, I feel for those who have kids at home either working on their assigned homework or driving you batty with their arguing and fighting. Kids are properly having a harder time at this “stuck at home” situation than if they were on holiday break. Because yes, most kids across the US do have assigned homework. I’ve included some links below that could help you and your kids during the mandated school closures across the US.

Be safe, be diligent, and be healthy.

Free resources for education: https://www2.ed.gov/free/index.html

Free Amazon reading: go to Amazon and enter “free books” and hundreds of free books will pop up in whatever genre you prefer. Many are for children.

Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/c/alp/kpqfspbe0a/kpqfspbe0a

Great Kindness Project: See “Fun Activities for Families”

Martha Stewart gardening ideas: https://www.marthastewart.com/search?q=garden