We come to that time of the year when we reflect on what we’ve accomplished this year, what needs to be done next year, where we’re going, what we’re feeling, et al. We acknowledge loved ones and valued acquaintances through notes, emails, texts, calls, cards, or gifts, connecting- while separated- with those people who truly make a difference in our lives.
Obviously, this twisted, confining, and confounding year seems different at Christmastime and as we head into 2021. So much has been unique and surreal in 2020, a year like never before. Forced isolation, strange new rules for behavior and decorum, abandoned practices and rituals. At times it felt like this can’t really be happening. But we’ve adapted, dealing with our nightmare version of “Groundhog Day”. A better future is in sight, finally.
So in three years, when you reflect back on 2020 (and at least the first part of 2021), how will you say you handled it all? For those of means, will you say that you made a positive difference? Did you contribute through your actions, efforts, and/or giving? It’s not too late to make an impact, whether through monetary donations, giving of your time, or even via virtual volunteering?
Check out this volunteer website: http://www.hiho.org/, or call one of the thousands of local non-profits and simply ask, “What can I do?” Contributing to local cultural organizations through their virtual events can lift your spirits via quality entertainment as you provide much-needed revenue for our struggling local arts and artists. There are all kinds of ways to give or give back.
If your thoughts all along have been to hunker down until things get back to “normal”, you might be disappointed come 2022 when some of your favorite retailers and restaurants have simply ceased to be. Giving back to your community now, even remotely, might be the best way to allow you to someday reflect back at this bleak blip in time and feel good about having done some good.
So many locally are just trying to survive this on-going confusion. If you have the means, energy, time, soul, empathy, creativity, and/or funds, now is a great time to take action. When you reflect on the saga of this COVID-19 era, you’ll know that you didn’t just survive it or watch idly, but you actually made a difference. It’s not too late to just do that, starting tomorrow.
Think about it…