It has been a rough year. We've lost loved ones, not been able to do things we enjoy, we've had to adapt fast to a new situation. And so of course I have grieved, as I know that is healthy. Yet today, rather than focus on what I've lost, I want to notice some of what I've gained this year.
New relationships: by becoming a phone befriender I've 'met' two people I otherwise never would have.
Deeper relationships: I've been pleased to get to know some friends better as I've connected with some people for whom this year has been tricky. Because I've not seen people in the places I usually would, I've had to intentionally think about who to get in touch with.
New ways of being: I have had to be creative in how I've shown my love given that some of my usual ways have been off limits. Instead of visits and hugs I've made heavy use of royal mail and sent flowers or unexpected little gifts or cards. Its not how I thought things would be when my daughter first left home for example, but we've stayed connected. And during the period that would have been her exams, we had some precious conversations when she instead returned from her shifts at the hospital.
New ways of working: If you'd said how much technology I would need to be using in my role I wouldn't have applied for it as I wouldn't have thought myself capable, and yet I have been. I have learned all kinds of skills and even taught others.
New discoveries: Encouraged to stay local for exercise, I have enjoyed the beach next to where I drop my son off at his dad's. I've bought an OS map and undertaken interesting walks on the way back from dropping him off.
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